For Sanford High School senior Andrew Morin, pursuing an internship at the Sanford Springvale News isn't just about gaining journalism experience – it's about carrying on a family legacy. His father, a former reporter for the Ellsworth American and Foster's Daily Democrat, inspired Andrew to explore the world of local journalism. "Part of my inspiration to start writing for the paper was my father," Morin explains. "He used to be a reporter before I was born... I thought it would be interesting to do something that he too had done." The opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps came through Sanford High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program. Working with ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles, Morin was able to establish an internship that would allow him to gain real-world journalism experience while still in high school. Since joining the nonprofit newspaper a few months ago, Morin has been learning the fundamentals of journalism, from time management to source verification and concise reporting. Among his early assignments, he particularly enjoyed covering the AP Capstone program at his high school. In addition to his coverage of school programs, Morin has been reporting on important developments in the local community. His recent article about Carpentier Park highlighted how the High Street receding area is moving forward with renovation plans following final approval from the city council. "He's not afraid to tackle potential stories suggested to him and often comes up with ideas of his own," said Kendra Williams, who is a columnist, copy editor, and the delivery coordinator for the Sanford Springvale News. "He can be trusted to submit his stories in a timely way and we've been very impressed with what he's written so far. Writing for a newspaper is different from other types of writing and can be a bit of a learning curve for anyone. Andrew is proving that he's up to the challenge." The internship has opened his eyes to the dedication required in local journalism. "I was not aware of the sheer amount of time and effort that the people of the paper put into it, and frankly, it is impressive," he reflects. Beyond the technical aspects of reporting, Morin has gained valuable insights into his community's relationship with local media. "People really appreciate community-driven projects like the local paper," he notes, adding that residents frequently express their gratitude and support for the publication. Through his work at the Sanford Springvale News, Morin is not only developing professional skills but also contributing to the vital tradition of community journalism – a tradition that, like his own story, often runs in families.

Sanford High Senior Gains Real-World Experience Through Local Newspaper Internship

Sanford School Department

December 12, 2024

For Sanford High School senior Andrew Morin, pursuing an internship at the Sanford Springvale News isn't just about gaining journalism experience – it's about carrying on a family legacy. His father, a former reporter for the Ellsworth American and Foster's Daily Democrat, inspired Andrew to explore the world of local journalism.

"Part of my inspiration to start writing for the paper was my father," Morin explains. "He used to be a reporter before I was born... I thought it would be interesting to do something that he too had done."

The opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps came through Sanford High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program. Working with ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles, Morin was able to establish an internship that would allow him to gain real-world journalism experience while still in high school.

Since joining the nonprofit newspaper a few months ago, Morin has been learning the fundamentals of journalism, from time management to source verification and concise reporting. Among his early assignments, he particularly enjoyed covering the AP Capstone program at his high school.

In addition to his coverage of school programs, Morin has been reporting on important developments in the local community. His recent article about Carpentier Park highlighted how the High Street receding area is moving forward with renovation plans following final approval from the city council.

"He's not afraid to tackle potential stories suggested to him and often comes up with ideas of his own," said Kendra Williams, who is a columnist, copy editor, and the delivery coordinator for the Sanford Springvale News. 

"He can be trusted to submit his stories in a timely way and we've been very impressed with what he's written so far. Writing for a newspaper is different from other types of writing and can be a bit of a learning curve for anyone. Andrew is proving that he's up to the challenge."

The internship has opened his eyes to the dedication required in local journalism. "I was not aware of the sheer amount of time and effort that the people of the paper put into it, and frankly, it is impressive," he reflects.

Beyond the technical aspects of reporting, Morin has gained valuable insights into his community's relationship with local media. "People really appreciate community-driven projects like the local paper," he notes, adding that residents frequently express their gratitude and support for the publication.

Through his work at the Sanford Springvale News, Morin is not only developing professional skills but also contributing to the vital tradition of community journalism – a tradition that, like his own story, often runs in families.