Each month, residents in the Great Neck community get a glimpse into the world of Cox High School, thanks to the work of English/Journalism teacher and Newspaper Adviser Erin Tonelson.

Tonelson met Amy Matzke-Fawcet, editor-in-chief of Great Neck Life magazine, at a training session over the summer at which Matzke-Fawcett was a guest speaker. The two set in motion plans to not only feature Cox High School students and staff in the publication, but to also have a monthly column, penned by Tonelson.  The column highlights the many achievements of the Cox students and staff.

“My goal is to show the Great Neck area that Cox has more to offer than simply sports related state championships,” Tonelson said. “Hopefully, when students see my stories they are inspired to do more and to be more.”

Tonelson has also had members of her journalism classes get published with their own material in the magazines.

“It’s cool for them to see their names in print,” Tonelson said. “They are proud of their writing, as am I, and they feel a sense of accomplishment that they have achieved a level of writing that most high school students do not have the chance to experience.”

From her end, Matzke-Fawcet says the experience is mutually beneficial.

“Working with the students and teachers at Cox High School has brought an added depth to Great Neck Life’s coverage,” Matzke-Fawcet said.  “They are so enthusiastic and it brings a real sense of community to our publication. It’s been a great experience so far and I’m excited about what the future holds.”

In fact, Matzke-Fawcet wants to expand her community magazine reach further in the city and is looking for similar participation with her Chic’s Beach Life and Red Mill Life magazines. For more information on how you could be involved with those publications, email  Matzke-Fawcet at amy.matzke@hibu.com.

 

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