Max Schwanz, a junior Digital Journalism major, recently interviewed App State’s former defensive back Shemar Jean-Charles about his Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl win for Boone’s local weekly newspaper.
Schwanz said he felt lucky Jean-Charles responded to his request and found time for the interview, considering the difficulty of connecting with high-profile professional athletes.
The March 16 article, “'We Can Still Make It Out': Former App State Football Standout Proves Dreams Come True,” was his first for the Watauga Democrat.
Schwanz, who wants to work in sports journalism after he graduates, has written extensively about sports for The Appalachian, where he is now the Sports Editor. “It has definitely prepared me because it allows you to practice your skills almost every day,” he said.
Schwanz’s article grew out of a reporting project for COM 4610 Mobile Journalism, taught by Dr. Twange Kasoma. The capstone course connects students with local news outlets to help bring more news and news stories to Boone.
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About The Appalachian
The Appalachian has been Appalachian State University’s independent student-run news publication since 1934. We publish a print publication monthly, and send out twice weekly email newsletters during the regular academic year. We are the recipient of the ACP Pacemaker Award, the CMA Pinnacle Award and the NC College Media Association Best of Show award. Learn more at https://theappalachianonline.com/
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in a wide range of roles within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism and Public Relations – and minors in Communication Studies and Cinematic Production.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Max Schwanz Headshot
