Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Vitez spoke at the Frank G. Pogue Student Center at Edinboro University as part of the department of communication and media studies' first annual High School Journalism Day April 15.
Vitez won the Pulitzer for his work on a five-part narrative series on aging issues and end-of-life care titled "Final Choices." He currently works as a journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and is also the author of the book "Rocky Stories," which tells the stories of people who ran the steps of the Art Museum in Philadelphia.
In his speech, Vitez said how he got his start in journalism.
"All I ever wanted to do was be a newspaper man. I never really sat down and thought about 'What do I want to do with my life?' - I just did it," said Vitez, who worked for both his high school and college newspapers before entering the field.
Vitez then emphasized that his dreams were no different from those of high school journalism students today. Reflecting on his success, he went on to give advice to the audience.
"We were all just like you….You can accomplish whatever you want….You just have to really believe, find that dream and go after it, and really believe that you can achieve it because you really can," said Vitez.
Moving on from his early years, Vitez shared his experiences when writing "Final Choices" and "Rocky Stories," giving tips for what he believes good writing is all about.
Journalists, said Vitez, need to be curious about the world around them. That curiosity will lead to information, and in order to convey the information, Vitez recommends telling stories.
"What I love most and what I feel is the most effective way to reach people is by telling stories," said Vitez.
According to Vitez, stories should show the human side of an issue, and make the non-fiction read like fiction. A good story, he said, can then touch people and make a difference.
Vitez also told the audience not to waste a story idea by waiting for approval from an editor or colleague.
"When you have something that is really powerful, tell it to your keyboard first," he said.
Concluding his speech. Vitez addressed the future of the media, emphasizing the continued need for quality journalists.
"I hope and I firmly believe that we are going to need people who will write honest and truthful and fair and balanced stories, who will cover institutions, who will speak for the voices and who will do what we desperately need in this country," said Vitez.
Aside from the keynote, High School Journalism Day featured workshops for students on topics such as covering small-town news, photojournalism and improving on-air voice.
More than 150 area high school students attended, along with 20 high school teachers, 23 presenters and 54 university administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students and guests,
Recipients of the Northwestern Pennsylvania High School Journalism Awards were also announced at the event. Awards were given out in six different categories, including news, features, opinion, sports, news photo and feature photo.
Two students also received scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to Edinboro University for their entries to the contest, which were named best in show.
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