Testimonials

If you know a J&C student, you’ll know that they are our most enthusiastic ambassadors. Check out what they have to say below. Our parents have weighed in too! Click here for their testimonials.

What students have to say

“In J&C, I’ve learned that what I write isn’t nearly as important as why I write. I’ve learned that the stories I tell can bridge the gap between the way the world is and the way the world ought to be. In the end, that’s what counts. That what matters.”

— Julian Wright, class of 2013
Former executive producer, Manual AM (broadcast news show)
Former managing editor, Manual RedEye (news website)

 

“J&C has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It’s taught me the importance of deadlines, of doing more than is asked, and of being patient and supportive of one’s peers. It’s changed me into a better person and given me the opportunity to change the lives of others.”

— Erin Bridges, class of 2012
Former editor-in-chief, The Crimson (yearbook)

 

“I thought it’d be difficult to get involved in such a large school, but J&C has so many opportunities and experiences to enjoy. It has taught me time management and leadership skills like no other classes could have. It’s the best preparation for college I’ve had.”

— Sydney Fulkerson, class of 2011
Former design director, The Crimson (yearbook)

 

“Aside from the fact that I’ve seen no other high school program with such a professional, legitimate news operation, J&C is a big family, and that’s something you don’t normally get with high school.”

— David Carroll, class of 2012
Former reporter, CSPN-TV (broadcast news show)
Former writer, One Blue Wall (literary magazine)

 

“J&C has made it easier to find my passion.”

— Eli Fosl, class of 2012
Former executive producer, Manual AM (broadcast news show)
Former design director, The Crimson (yearbook)

 

“I never really knew what I was going to do with my life or what I really enjoyed doing in my free time until J&C. Freshman year, I immediately found I had an eye for visuals that I didn’t know how to express through a paint and easel like I always dreamt of doing. I knew I cared about people and I wanted to help the world. Through J&C, I found I could accomplish these broad ideas through journalism and photography. It’s cheesy to say, but I found who I was as a person. I have made my closest friendships because of the family atmosphere of this magnet. I’ve found mentors that not only teach me how to use a digital camera, but teach me how to care about your subjects and tell a story that actually matters. And more importantly, I’ve found that the work I want to do is attainable and has an impact. I’m not a number in J&C, and that’s pretty special.”

—Olivia Brotzge, class of 2019
Editor-in-chief, One Blue Wall (literary magazine)
Creative Director, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“J&C has been the best part of my high school experience. It was invaluable in teaching me how to be a good citizen and an effective communicator, and I think I might have been a different person if I had been in a different magnet.”

—Maggie Mitchell, class of 2019
News editor, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“J&C has provided me with extensive opportunities to explore my strengths as a leader. The variety of classes and publications really allowed me to determine my interests and then pursue them as part of the team.”

— Audrey Champelli, class of 2019
Editor-in-chief, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“My favorite part of the J&C is the family atmosphere! While each staff really bonds together, the whole magnet can come together to speak up on issues that matter. We’re able to to have this family bond because of the smallness of the magnet.” 

—Claire Rooney, class of 2021
Writer, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“J&C has given me a place where I can learn and thrive while also feeling a part of something.” 

—Sylvia Cassidy, class of 2021
Writer, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“J&C has given me a voice — a place I feel safe to speak up and speak out. My time in the magnet has given me a love for telling the stories of those who are voiceless. Every time I walk into our wing, I feel more at home than anywhere else.” 

— Sky Carroll, class of 2020
Copy editor, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“The J&C magnet has given me a place to be the most authentic version of myself. Through J&C, I have been able to use so many parts of myself, from leadership and communication skills to skills in creativity. J&C has also given me opportunities I wouldn’t have found anywhere else, ranging from a professional newsroom internship to working on a newsmagazine with my peers that is distributed to all of Louisville. J&C has also given me the opportunity to travel with my peers, which has helped me learn more about the world and journalism as a whole.”

— Mattie Townson, class of 2019
Associate editor, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“One of the many things I love about J&C is the family-like community. You really get to know everyone in the magnet and form friendships that will last a lifetime.”

— Lainey Holland, class of 2021
Photographer, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“J&C is all about finding your voice and using it as a call to action. Being in the magnet gave me the opportunity to really explore so many different types of journalism, from audio to print to broadcast and more. It let me find my niche and expand it, testing my limits and growing my capabilities. It gave me the opportunity to be a leader and a mentor, and give back to the magnet. It’s a family!”

— Maya Joshi, class of 2019
Assignment editor, Manual RedEye (news website)

 

“I absolutely love J&C! I have watched myself grow as a person and effective communicator. When I first came to the magnet, I thought I would be writing a bunch of narratives, but it is so much more than that. I get to leave my fingerprint on the world and collaborate with the most creative people I have ever met. Also, the teachers are absolutely amazing. They are very professional and treat us like young adults instead of children. My favorite moments would have to be the ones I’m experiencing right now [as a senior]. I get to watch the underclassmen find themselves within the field and reflect on my wonderful time within the magnet. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. J&C will always have a place in my heart.” 

— Jediah Holman, class of 2010
Social media editor, On the Record (newsmagazine)

 

“I like J&C because it has allowed me to learn about myself as a person and surprise myself every day through doing new things. As a freshman, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I got older, and the magnet truly changed my perspective not only on this, but also on how I think by becoming more educated about the world and how I view it today. J&C has provided me with so many opportunities, such as being able to go to places I never would have gone to and learn from influential people who never fail to keep me engaged. My favorite aspect of the magnet is the fact that I never stop enjoying it. Every day, I come in with something that I am excited to work on, and something that I’m proud of making. I’m also lucky to work among so many smart peers who shape me and help me make high quality content, on par with a variety of journalists today.”

—Thomas Simmons, class of 2019
Executive Producer, CSPN-TV (broadcast news show)

 

“J&C has given me a family and opened the door to possibilities that I would have never considered in any other magnet. For example, I would have never found my interest in broadcast journalism, had I been in any other magnet. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing and talented students through J&C. It has helped me come out of my comfort zone and take risks. J&C has helped form who I am and I am so thankful to be a part of it.”

— Matthew Dentinger, class of 2019
Anchor/Producer, CSPN-TV (broadcast news show)

 

“Entering high school, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this magnet but J&C has blown me away. The classes offered teach students about skills that apply not only to journalism but to all subjects in school and beyond that for jobs, college, and careers. The project based learning in these classes will allow students to engage in current issues in the world and allows students to research and teach their classmates about topics they may feel deeply about. The multitude of publications the magnet offers for students to join puts them into an environment where they are with other students who have an interest in the same thing and offers a more in-depth look at how the specific kind of publication runs in professional journalism. For example, Manual RedEye focuses on the creation of multimedia content and produces the school’s news website that students use to keep informed of what’s going on at Manual. The J&C magnet will push you to get better as a student and will give you a deep understanding of concepts that you will carry with you through the rest of your lives.”

— EP Presnell, class of 2021
Staffer, Manual RedEye (news website)