I say my favorite refrain so often that I’m afraid it’s becoming trite.

What’s that I hear? Did anyone mention The Oregonian’s High School Journalism Institute?

“Best week of the year!” I’ll surely butt in.

Well, here we are again. And on day two, HSJI 2024 is already living up to the hype.

The new crop of amazing students are slowly but surely opening up to their peers and mentors.

As I type, my students are working on profiles of one another. They’ve done two rounds of interviews, trying into the other’s likes and dislikes, hobbies and home lives. It’s an unlikely real-world assignment – ​​we typically stay away from writing stories about our colleagues – but it’s a great way for the students to get to know one another and really connect. In a couple of days, they’ll work together on a news story and that connection will be pivotal for teamwork as they lean on each other through the reporting and writing process.

I don’t yet know this crew of young people very well, but already I’m impressed. In our first few journalism panels and interviewing workshops they’ve asked thoughtful and critical questions. On just day one, students unearthed the hidden news hook in a mock press conference and grilled professional reporters about the financial state and future of the newsrooms we work in.

If tradition holds true, the kids will start to solidify those tight friendships in the next couple of days. They’ll get comfortable enough to joke with and needle their favorite mentors. They’ll start to show their true colors, which will absolutely dazzle us grumpy old vets and renew our faith that the future of journalism is in good hands.

Yep, it’s the best week of the year. I’m going to savor every moment.