Jessica Augustine, future journalism teacher at Hays High School, visited students on Feb. 21 during the newspaper class.

Augustine graduated from Ellis High School in 1997 and attended Kansas State University.

A teacher of 17 years, Augustine taught journalism at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita, as well as Rock Creek High School in Manhattan, Kan.

Kapaun Mt. Carmel will be a new opponent for Hays, after moving up to 5A status.

“My reason for coming here, first of all, Hays High has always been on my radar,” Augustine said. “Ever since I was in high school, I remember we came over here when the old journalism teacher taught here.

“We had come over to see all of the cool stuff Hays had that we did not have in Ellis. I was always one to kind of route for you guys to. It was one of those home town county schools that always had a place in my heart.”

Augustine’s goal of the day was to introduce herself to the students and allow them to ask questions they may have of the future years.

“Mr. Gasper and I had talked before I had even interviewed for the job and he told me that one of his worries was that whoever would take over would totally eliminate the newspaper,” Augustine said. “I do not plan on doing that.”

Augustine said at her current school, Rock Creek, they are an online only newspaper.

“You guys have such a strong tradition here, I do not want to eliminate that print paper,” Augustine said.

Future years will have to be discussed and will most likely result in some changes, Augustine said.

Augustine plans on creating a slightly different time management schedule during class periods.

“We are starting fresh here,” Augustine said. “I do not plan on making major changes immediately.”

20ahillebrand@usd489.com