“Being a reporter is really fun because I get to ask questions, get answers, and then put it in an article, and then it becomes really fun for me.”
That’s how one student reporter, Christian, fifth grade, Saint Cecilia School, Catholic Partnership Schools Healthy Courier, summed up his Healthy NewsWorks experience during a Q&A session as part of the Healthy Conversations event April 28. About 150 students, families, and community members gathered at Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia for the evening of food, connection, video screenings, and thoughtful discussions.
The evening began with students welcoming guests and sharing their school newspapers as attendees arrived and enjoyed food together. During the program, attendees got a taste of the Healthy NewsWorks experience with a live interview of Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg, M.D., M.S.Ed., co-director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Student interviewers Yisliany and Arabella, fifth graders at Yorkship Family School in Camden, asked him about empathy, a major topic related to the 2025–26 reporting theme, Making Healthy Connections.
Following the interview, the program transitioned into small-group discussions centered on the questions: “What is a healthy connection?” and “How can joining a group help people feel more connected?”
Attendees shared their own experiences about forming meaningful relationships, finding community through shared interests, and the challenges and rewards of building connections in different stages of life.
Student-produced videos were also shown during the evening to prompt discussion and share insights about how Healthy NewsWorks teaches health reporting skills and media literacy.
During the Q&A, Zoey, seventh grade, Holy Name School, Catholic Partnership Schools Healthy Courier, spoke of how the Healthy NewsWorks experience “really helped me … communicate with other people and get to really just know people.”
Another student, Ben, sixth grade, Alexander Adaire Fit Fish, reflected on the role of their Healthy NewsWorks teacher in preparing them. “She helped me become a journalist and prepared me for this event much better.”
Several students spoke of the sense of connection they get from the program, emphasizing belonging, voice, and community. “If you join this organization or program, you’ll be heard … and you will be treated like family,” said Xzavier, seventh grade, Holy Name School, Catholic Partnership Schools Healthy Courier.
The evening ended with a standing ovation for the students.
Keep the conversation going
Watch and share two of the Healthy Conversations videos with friends and family who may be interested in learning more about Healthy NewsWorks:
