Ben Tierney is the Director of Communications and Family Engagement for Bay City Public Schools. He has written and provided photography for Route Bay City, Catalyst Midland, and Epicenter Mt. Pleasant, and frequently volunteers photography services for a variety of nonprofits in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Bay City Public Schools (BCPS) is partnering with Route Bay City to provide a platform for local students to share their experiences and perspectives. ‘Voices of Youth’ will feature a new article each month, written by students from Bay City Central and Bay City Western high schools.

Ben Tierney“Public schools have seen increased media attention throughout the pandemic,” said Dr. Stephen Bigelow, superintendent of Bay City Public Schools. “We believe it’s important to ensure the perspectives of students we serve is part of that media coverage. This partnership is a great opportunity to help accomplish that.”

Students selected to write articles will receive a stipend and editorial support, and will not be limited on the topics they choose to write about. BCPS is currently working with teachers and administrators from each school to select students interested in writing for the series.

“We are excited to offer students a chance to participate in local journalism and make their voices heard,” said Timothy Marciniak, Principal at Bay City Central High School. “They have the opportunity to produce published articles, get experience working with a local newspaper, and gain several valuable skills working in a professional setting.”

Student articles are expected to launch in December and continue with one article each month. Interested students from Bay City Central and Bay City Western high schools should contact their school principal for details on how to participate.