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MLB writer shares expertise with McIntosh journalists
The young journalists of The Trail, the student news site of McIntosh High, got some tips from a writer who covers a Major League Baseball team for a living. Jaylon Thompson, a Kansas City Royals beat writer for the Kansas City Star newspaper, jumped at the opportunity to talk to aspiring journalists via Google Meet.
He talked about his journey to what he calls a dream job. He studied at the University of Georgia, and his resume includes stops like USA Today Sports. He originally got acquainted with our local schools when he was a reporter for the Fayette County News.
The grind of working towards his dream paid off because he now gets to cover a professional sports team. It is a daily grind, but it also includes amazing moments like covering the Royals on the road for a playoff game at the legendary Yankee Stadium this past season.
He advised the young journalists to not be afraid of working hard and taking chances. What seems difficult ahead of you is just a part of the journey towards your goal.
“The challenge is only a challenge because you didn’t go through it yet,” he said.
The Trail journalists asked questions of Thompson that can inform how they cover McIntosh and in future roles, including how to incorporate new advances like AI into their work.
“I think that the (meeting) with Jaylon Thompson helped me understand the journalistic and reporting process and how, if I do choose to pursue this, what I need to think about.” said The Trail’s Multimedia Editor Anthony Capobianco.
Follow The McIntosh Trail’s coverage at mhstrail.org.
Lily Johnson contributed to the story.
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Jaylon Thompson (center of TV screen) talks with The Trail via Google Meet. (Photo by Alyssa Barnfield)
Posted 1/27/2025