Darcy Hassing
Battle Creek,MI
Summary
As an adviser, I passionately empower student journalists to find their voice and tell their stories, fostering award-winning yearbook and newspaper programs built on a foundation of student leadership and journalistic integrity. My dedication creates an environment where students produce exceptional publications, develop critical skills and discover lifelong passions for communication and design.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Newspaper Adviser
Lakeview High School
Battle Creek, MI
08.2024 - Current
- Rebuilt the newspaper program, leading a recruitment drive that doubled enrollment for the upcoming year and shaping it into a vibrant platform for student expression.
- Empowered students to lead, actively guiding them through every step of creating their paper, from developing powerful stories to executing striking layouts.
- Ensured cutting-edge guidance through my ongoing pursuit of knowledge, continuously elevating the quality of student journalism.
Yearbook Adviser
Lakeview High School
Battle Creek, Michigan
08.2021 - Current
- Initiated the yearbook program's journey to national prominence, establishing experiences like the JEA/NSPA convention trip that inspired students toward journalism careers.
- Guided the yearbook staff to unprecedented success, achieving three consecutive MIPA Gold Ratings and the first-ever First Class NSPA Critique rating in school history, showcasing exceptional student talent.
- Transformed student leadership by creating an Editorial Leadership class, providing editors with dedicated time and structure to excel in both content creation and staff mentorship.
- Orchestrated student-led editorial meetings to ensure collaborative decision-making and comprehensive coverage.
English Teacher
Lakeview High School
Battle Creek, MI
08.2000 - Current
- Empowered students to find their voice through diverse literature and creative expression.
- Ignited a passion for literature and writing by fostering a classroom where students developed critical thinking and strong communication skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education, English & Communications
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MIMaster of Arts - Leadership
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MIProgram Honors & Awards
- NSPA Yearbook Critique - First Class Rating - 2024
- Varsity Yearbook Portfolio Inclusion - 2025
- MIPA Yearbook Gold Award - 2022, 2023, 2024
- MIPA Student Journalist Staff - Photojournalism - 2025
- MIPA Yearbook Cover - First Place - 2023, 2024
- MIPA Feature Writing: Student Life - 1st place 2024
- MIPA Feature Writing: Academics - 1st place 2023, 2024
- MIPA Feature Writing: Organizations - 1st place - 2024
- MIPA Feature Writing: Sports - 1st place - 2023, 2024
- MIPA Graphics - 1st place - 2024
Affiliations
- Michigan Interscholastic Press Association
- Journalism Education Association
- National Scholastic Press Association
- Columbia Scholastic Press Association
- Quill & Scroll
Certification
- CJE - April 2024
Affiliations
- Nominated for Golden Pen 2025 (MIPA)
- MIPA Executive Board Secretary 2022 - present
- MIPA Adviser Institute 2023, 2024, 2025
- Varsity Summer Workshop 2022, 2023, 2024
- MIPA Fall Workshop 2022, 2023, 2024
- Walsworth Adviser Academy 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- MIPA Workshop 2024 - Speaker
- JEA Spring 2024 - St Louis
- JEA Fall 2024 - Philadelphia
- JEA Spring 2025 - Seattle - proposal accepted
- JEA Proposal Nashville (pending approval)
Timeline
Newspaper Adviser
Lakeview High School
08.2024 - Current
Yearbook Adviser
Lakeview High School
08.2021 - Current
English Teacher
Lakeview High School
08.2000 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education, English & Communications
Western Michigan University
Master of Arts - Leadership
Western Michigan University
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