Cook County students learn storytelling skills at ISD 166

Michael McHugh is the communications class teacher at Cook County High School.  WTIP has teamed up with McHugh on various projects with the common goal of teaching young people how to be storytellers.

One focus of the class is the art of interviewing. Every student had to conduct an interview for their own story project. A few jumped at the chance to share the experience in an interview with WTIP. Many have also shared their stories through the airwaves. Soon, they will also be sharing videos.

Mr. McHugh believes in the power of stories, both hearing them and telling them. During one class McHugh shared a discussion with the students about the importance of telling a story that the students are legitimately interested in. This seemed to strike a chord with many of them, and it directed the trajectory of their projects. They produced audio stories on Valentines Day, Friendship Day, family traditions, and the impacts of social media. They produced videos covering the music they listen to in the hallways, the track team, and the local youth center. There is always something in the story that reflects the character and personalities of the students that create them.

In McHugh’s class, one big responsibility some of the students take on is creating the year book. This documentation of the school year is just another way of sharing the school’s collective story. According to one student, it’s a big task to make sure everyone is represented. 

Stories have existed as long as humans have. In them, we capture and share valuable lessons about being human. The person responsible for inspiring this craft in the next generation, the one who shines brightly behind the work of all the students, is Mr. Michael McHugh.   

Explore the full story in the audio and video features below.

M Baxley April 5, 2024