Bobcat PR Squad Internship Program

Creating the program

As an alumna of the school, Butler knew that Hempstead High School had never offered elective courses or extracurricular programs focused in the communications field. Butler was the first and only journalism teacher that Hempstead High School has ever had. She expressed her interest in building a communications program at one of the district’s strategic planning meetings. With the help of the Chief Communications Officer, Butler built an internship program for students interested in photojournalism, public relations, and news writing and reporting.

The vision

The vision was to create a program that benefitted both the district’s web-based platforms and students seeking future study or employment in the communications field. The Bobcat PR Internship allowed students to earn resumé-applicable skills and volunteer hours in photojournalism, news writing & reporting, social media management, and digital media design.

The results

Butler managed and mentored a group of 8 juniors and seniors who wrote stories for the district website, photographed district events, and designed posters, announcements, and other media for print and digital distribution.

The Students….

  • Volunteered to take photos at Hempstead ISD board meetings. This board meeting took place February 26th, 2024

Photos by Rebecca Butler

  • Took pictures and provided social media updates from games and other school functions.

Photos by Rebecca Butler

  • Made posters and other promotional materials for district and campus events.

Poster by Torrence Ross (Student Intern)

  • Planned and hosted district and campus events.

Photo by Torrence Ross (Student Intern)

Pitched, drafted, edited, and published articles for the district’s website.

Photo by Joan Nava (Student Intern)