Junior Journalists, an organization founded by Elizabeth Sober, junior at Jupiter High School (JHS), has officially reached over 120 elementary school students through volunteering.
Typically twice a week, Junior Journalists members take turns volunteering at elementary schools in Jupiter. They organize activities for aftercare students to help strengthen their journalistic and creative writing skills.
So far, they have volunteered at four different schools: Jerry Thomas, Beacon Cove, Limestone Creek and Jupiter Elementary.
Junior Journalists was created in 2024, Sober’s sophomore year, but the idea was developed during her freshman year. Sober has enjoyed being on the JHS yearbook staff since her freshman year, which inspired her to continue journalism outside of class.
“I was on a road trip with my mom talking about my idea and then it all came together in my head,” Sober said. “It was that day when I decided exactly how I wanted to do it, and I emailed two schools when I got home.”
Many volunteer members are enrolled in journalism classes as well, while others simply have a passion for writing or working with children.
“I’m a yearbook team leader, and I really wanted to get involved in something that relates to my skills,” Camelia Oneid, junior in Junior Journalists, said.
Sober takes time out of each week to brainstorm and plan the visits. To make writing more fun, she often mixes games such as charades and telephone with a writing activity or prompt.
Not only does the organization help elementary students with journalism and writing, but it also grows bonds between them and high school volunteers.
“My favorite memory is when these two girls last year, who really enjoyed and loved writing, asked me to come back again at the end of the session,” Sober said. “It made me feel so happy that kids were actually inspired by it and it made a difference for them.”
As for future plans, Sober wants to recruit volunteers who are communications majors at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA). DSOA is located in West Palm Beach, so volunteers would be able to visit elementary school students in that area and grow the impact of Junior Journalists.
“I want to reach places that JHS wouldn’t be able to get to, but another school could,” Sober said.
