Domino's Pizza: The Pizza Turnaround!

     In 2009, a YouTube video and many news outlets, Domino's in the News!, showed two Domino’s Pizza employees doing undesirable things to food that was about to be delivered to their customers. Needless to say, the video went viral. Domino’s was then facing a huge problem, and had to pull out their crisis management plan to improve their newly acquired reputation.

     Domino’s launched a public relations campaign titled “The Pizza Turnaround,” as shown in the Cooking Up a New PR Campaign analysis. The campaign was in result of the back lash Domino’s received around a year after the YouTube incident. The viral video created a spiral of bad publicity. Domino’s CEO apologized on Twitter for the appalling video, but people responded by hashing Domino’s company, reputation, and its products. There had to be a way for Domino’s to regain its strength.

     “The Pizza Turnaround” targeted all people of all ages. The campaign was designed to show everyone that Domino’s admits its faults, and they want to reconnect with their consumers to make a better product. Domino’s is currently still rebuilding its reputation, and the campaign has finally become a beneficiary asset to Domino’s.

     There are both strengths and weaknesses to this Domino’s campaign. One strength is Domino’s ability to admit to their wrongdoing, and state their willingness to fix the problem. Another strength is that Domino’s is still, two years later, continuing its public relations campaigns. Domino’s is viewing as a strong company, because it did not just do the initial campaign, and then give up. They still want the pubic to know what is going on with their product and their relationship with its customers. In my opinion, Domino’s is the only company out there that really connects to its publics and fully states their weaknesses. I can tell that Domino’s truly wants to be the pizza product out there. The last strength is Domino’s involvement in the media. Domino’s has advertisements everywhere, along with great social media and Domino's YouTube Channel. This is key for company’s to thrive today.

     Domino’s Pizza had some weaknesses in there campaign as well. One, the CEO apologized on Twitter way to late after the initial video accident. CEO’s have to be proactive and apologize immediately. Another weakness is that, although honest, Domino’s really told the public the negative remarks that customers had, and I think they may have kept that to themselves. I love that Domino’s was honest, but they could have simply said that they were having many negative views on their products without spelling them out.

     All in all, I think Domino’s handled their crisis well, and their campaigns have helped them regain their popularity back. They have continued to expand their campaigns to the “Domino’s Tracker,” “Domino’s Pizza At the Door of its Harshest Critics,” and many more little campaigns that show how much Domino’s wants their customers to be happy. If Domino’s continues this, I think they will flourish for a long time to come.

     Domino’s main focus for their initial campaign was to rebuild their reputation by using crisis communication tactics and conflict resolution. These tactics included the CEO apologizing on Twitter, and launching “The Pizza Turnaround.” Domino’s first had to use these tactics to renew their company, but with the public and media agenda today, Domino’s had to do more.

     Now, with their continuous campaigns, they are using the agenda-setting theory. The agenda-setting hypothesis states that the mass media have the ability to transfer the salience of issues on their news agenda to the public agenda (A First Look at Communication Theory, Em Griffin, p. 378). Domino’s has set a new tone with their product and organization. They introduced their own agenda by setting up a variety of media tactics in order to transfer their new agenda to the public. These tactics include Domino’s own YouTube channel, an active Twitter and Faceboook accounts, and also a variety of advertising amongst all media.

     I also believe the PRSA’s Code of Ethics is taken seriously by Domino’s. The key to Domino’s success is honesty and loyalty to their customers. Domino’s also takes the PRSA’s free flow of information provisions to heart. Domino proves this in its "The Pizza Turnaround" video. I truly see in Domino’s future, that all people will love Domino’s not only for their pizza, but their honesty and loyalty to their customers.

Multi-Media Final!

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

Multi-Media Writing

250-Word Print Story

Project Inside Out

A summer day camp for middle school girls!

Session One: June 6-10

Session Two: June 20-24

Session Three: July 25-29

Girl Talk's Project Inside Out!

     Girl Talk, Inc. will be holding its annual Project Inside Out- a week-long summer camp that can inspire girls through Impact Sessions, community service projects, high-school-girl mentors and key messages from community leaders.

     Girl Talk believes young girls should grow with one another while having fun, learning, and being encouraged.

     Project Inside Out, a week of non-stop inspiration, was developed by Haley Kilpatrick, executive director of Girl Talk, Inc. Kilpatrick’s goal for this summer camp is for young girls to build self-esteem, develop leaderships skills and learn the importance of community service while learning from one another.

     “Girl Talk is looking forward to this summer and its amazing possibilities with Project Inside Out,” Kilpatrick said.  “I look forward to seeing all the wonderful faces of our girls, and I truly hope they have a wonderful time and leave inspired.” 

     Project Inside Out will hold three sessions around Atlanta this summer -- at Holy Innocents Episcopal School, All Saints Episcopal School and Peachtree Presbyterian Church. Each camp session will have 75 spots for rising sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls, and will cost $295 to $345. The camp sessions serve as Girl Talk’s largest fundraiser.

     Girl Talk, Inc. is looking forward to the good things that will happen this summer at Project Inside Out. Visit desiretoinspire.org to learn more about Girl Talk and Project Inside Out.

    

200-Word Online Story

                            Girl Talk's Project Inside Out!

 

     Girl Talk, Inc. will be holding it’s annual Project Inside Out: a week-long summer camp that can inspire girls through Impact Sessions, community service projects, high-school-girl mentors and key messages from community leaders.

     Girl Talk believes young girls should grow with one another while having fun, learning, and being encouraged.

     “Girl Talk is looking forward to this summer and its amazing possibilities with Project Inside Out,” Executive Director, Haley Kilpatrick said.  “I look forward to seeing all the wonderful faces of our girls, and I truly hope they have a wonderful time and leave inspired.” 

     Project Inside Out, a week on non-stop inspiration, will hold three sessions in Atlanta this summer at Holy Innocents Episcopal School, All Saints Episcopal School and Peachtree Presbyterian Church. Each camp session will have 75 spots for rising sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls, and will cost $295 to $345. The camp sessions serve as Girl Talk’s largest fundraiser.

     Visit www.desiretoinspire.org to learn more about Girl Talk and watch the video for Project Inside Out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqo-xx3hsE.

One-Minute Television Story

  

Girl Talk’s Project Inside Out!

-ON CAM-

Linda Young: Local non-profit organization…Girl Talk…has given middle school girls a place to turn to this summer. Kevin Brown has the story.

-LIVE-Full Screen-

Kevin Brown: Thanks Linda. Girl Talk is a local peer-to-peer mentoring program that holds an annual summer camp for middle-school girls.

-VO-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7qEXoldM7k

Kevin Brown: It’s called Project Inside Out: a weeklong summer camp where young girls can grow from one another and have fun while learning and being motivated throughout a week of non-stop inspiration. Girls can look forward to many things this summer: key note messages from community leaders…community service projects, Impact Sessions addressing things such as body image and cyber             bullying…which are taught by high school leaders…and of course many fun activities.

-END VO-

-LIVE--Full Screen-

Kevin Brown: Project Inside Out serves as Girl Talk’s largest fundraiser and there will be three sessions this summer in Buckhead, Midtown and Sandy Springs. Girl Talk invites you all to visit desiretoinspire-dot-org for more information.

Back to you Linda.

-Back OC-

Linda Young: Thanks Kevin.

300-Word News Conference Story

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

April 22, 2011

300-Word News Conference Story

Increase in Seat Belt Usage, Decrease in Motor Vehicle Injuries

     CDC’s release of Vital Signs on Non-Fatal Motor Vehicle Occupant Injuries in 2009 and Seat Belt use in 2008 among adults 18 and above in the United States report shows a substantial increase of people wearing seat belts, resulting in less injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents.

      This Vital Signs study came with good news: wearing a seat belt on every trip has become the norm in the United States. Overall, seat belt use has reached an all time high in 2008 of 85 percent and there are seven states that have reached an astonishing 90 percent seat belt use.

     Each state has different laws regarding seat belt use. New Hampshire does not have a mandatory seat belt law, and all of the other states have primary and secondary laws. Primary laws and secondary laws relate to whether or not you are required to wear a seat belt in the front versus the back seat.

     States with primary enforcement laws has an overall 88 percent seat belt use, and states with secondary enforcement laws has an overall 79 percent seat belt use.

          “We cannot afford to continue to lose the money and lives that are being lost to motor vehicle crashes. Seat belt use is the most effective method to reduce the risk of injury or death and it protects drivers and passengers, reducing the risk being killed by about half,” CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden said.

     Motor vehicle deaths are and remain the leading cause of death in the United States among young people age 5 to 34. New studies, like this one, have shown much progress, but Frieden said that we still have a ways to go.

COM 3330 Extra-Points

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

April 22, 2011

Extra-Points

FEATURE WRITING: AMY ELLIS NUTT, THE STAR-LEDGER OF NEWARK, N.J.

"For her deeply probing story of the mysterious sinking of a commercial fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean that drowned six men."

Story: Feature Story

Lead: Wall Street Journal/Feature Lead

Was it effective? Yes. The first couple of paragraphs are a straight from Jose, the only survivor of the wreck, and it is very engaging and makes you continue to read.

Nut Graph: 8^th & 9^th Paragraph

How did it end? This 4 part series ends with two parts: Coping and A Need To Keep Moving. There was only one survivor of the wreck of the Lady Mary, so there are many families left with members of their family gone. These last two sections show the emotions of the left behind family members and how they are dealing with their grief. It is a last second engagement to the story, and it leaves you wanting to learn more about the families and how they are doing now.

Why did it win a Pulitzer Prize? I think it won this wonderful prize because it is enduring and truthful. I think how the story can engage you, or pull in your emotions is what makes a good story. This story definitely engaged me 100% and I think that’s why it was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

Speech Story

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

April 20, 2011

300-Word Speech Story

The Noble Prize Speech That Will Always Be Remembered

     William Faulkner was awarded The Noble Prize in Literature 1949 “for his powerful and artistically unique contribution to the modern American novel." He accepted The Nobel Prize a year later on December 10, 1950 in Stockholm, Sweden.

     On that December day in 1950, no one knew that the speech that Faulkner made when accepting his Noble Prize, would make history. This speech is now titled one of American Rhetoric’s Top 100 Speeches.

     In Faulkner’s speech, it was clear that he did not want the fame or glory that went along with accepting such a prestigious award. “I feel that this award was not made to me as a man, but to my work -- a life's work in the agony and sweat of the human spirit, not for glory and least of all for profit, but to create out of the materials of the human spirit something which did not exist before,” Faulkner said. He wanted to instead, dedicate his hard work to other young men and women who shared the same dedication as he did and teach them his reality of literature.

     Faulkner said to all the young people in his speech that they must write about love and the truths of the heart, such as love, honor, pity, pride, compassion and sacrifice. If people cannot write about the things that matter in this world, then they “will write as though he stood among and watched the end of man.” However, if people write about these things and write with their heart, Faulker said that man would then prevail, “because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.”

     “The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.”

30 Second Radio Read

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

April 5, 2011

30 Sec. Radio Read

Walk for Wishes Atlanta 2011

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama will be holding Walk for Wishes next Saturday, the 16^th at Atlantic Station. Walk for Wishes is a walk that celebrates the success of individuals and teams that raised funds that in return grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

     The cost to participate in the walk is $10.00 and the supporters that raised $100 or more will receive a Walk for Wishes t-shirt. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. and should last about an hour. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama is looking forward to seeing you there.

300 Word Online Story

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

April 5, 2011

300-Word Online Story

Walk for Wishes Atlanta 2011

ATLANTA, Georgia---The Georgia and Alabama Chapter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation will be holding Walk for Wishes on April 16, 2011 at Atlantic Station. Walk for Wishes is an hour walk that celebrates the success of individuals and teams that raised funds that in return grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

     The cost to participate in the walk is $10.00 and the wonderful supporters that raise $100 or more will receive a Walk for Wishes t-shirt. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. and should last about an hour. Everyone is invited to enjoy all the attractions offered at Atlantic Station after the walk is completed.

      The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama was founded in 1995 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. More than 4,000 wishes have been granted by this chapter and hoping to grant 350 wishes in 2011.

     Kari Love, senior events development officer, enjoyed the idea of a celebratory walk for raising funds for their chapter. “Walk for Wishes is going to be an absolute blast this spring.“ Love said. “Our supporters have already raised over $71,000 and I couldn’t be happier to work for such an amazing organization. This walk is going to be so successful and I can’t wait to get out there and walk with everyone. I couldn’t do my job without our awesome supporters and volunteers, so I think it is very important that our staff participates in this walk as well.”

     The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 and gives hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. As a national, non-profit organization, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 200,000 wishes and is honored to grant a new wish to a deserving child every 40 minutes.

500 Word Print Story

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

April 5, 2011

500-Word Print Story

Walk for Wishes Atlanta 2011

     The Georgia and Alabama Chapter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation will be holding Walk for Wishes on April 16, 2011 at Atlantic Station. Walk for Wishes is a day walk that celebrates the success of individuals and teams that raised funds that in return grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

     The cost to participate in the walk is $10.00 and the wonderful supporters that raise $100 or more will receive a Walk for Wishes t-shirt. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk programs will start at 10:30 a.m. Walk for Wishes festivities will end promptly at 11:30 a.m. Walkers and guest are invited to enjoy all the attractions offered at Atlantic Station and around Atlanta after the Walk for Wishes festivities are completed.

     Walk for Wishes was developed by the Georgia and Alabama Chapter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama was founded in 1995 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This chapter has granted more than 4,000 wishes and they are hoping to grant 350 wishes in 2011.

     Kari Love, senior events development officer, enjoyed the idea of a celebratory walk for raising funds for the chapter. “Walk for Wishes is going to be an absolute blast this spring. “ Love said. “Our supporters have already raised over $71,000 and I couldn’t be happier to work for such an amazing organization. This walk is going to be so successful and I can’t wait to get out there and walk with everyone. I couldn’t do my job without our awesome supporters and volunteers, so I think it is very important that our staff participates in this walk as well.”

     The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 and gives hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. As a national, non-profit organization, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 200,000 wishes and is honored to grant a new wish to a deserving child every 40 minutes. Kids ages two and a half to 18 that meet the medical criteria established by the foundation are eligible to have their wish granted.

     Frank Shankwitz, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, and Scott Stahl founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation in November, 1980. A little boy named Christian James Greicius who was suffering from leukemia, dreamed of becoming a police officer. The founders saw how happy Christian was after receiving his wish, and they wondered how they could do the same for other children.

     In March 1981, The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted its first wish. The first Make-A-Wish kid was a 7-year-old boy named Frank Salazar who was diagnosed with leukemia. His dream was to become a fire fighter. In Arizona, the Phoenix Fire Department made Frank a full uniform including turnouts, a badge and a helmet. Franks day was made when the fire department let him blast the horn and use the 75-pound hose on the fire truck. Media coverage of Frank made others want to help the cause too. From then on, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been nothing short of a miracle.

1000 Word News Release

                                                                                    The Make-A-Wish Foundation

                                                                                    Contact: Christina Collinge

                                                                                    Address: 1234 Walk Avenue

                                                                                                     Atlanta, GA 30305

                                                                                    Phone: (404) 555-7677

                                                                                    Fax: (404) 555-7678

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Email: christina@makeawish.org

Walk for Wishes Atlanta 2011

Atlanta, Ga. (April 4, 2011)—The Georgia and Alabama Chapter of The Make-A -Wish Foundation introduces Walk for Wishes: A day walk that celebrates the success of individuals and teams that raised funds that in return grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

     The Walk for Wishes is a special event to spend time with your friends, family and team members while sharing in the hope, strength and joy you've helped bring to Georgia and Alabama children waiting for their wishes to come to life.

     Walk for Wishes was developed by the Georgia and Alabama Chapter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2011. Kari Love, senior events development officer, proposed the idea of a celebratory walk for raising funds for the chapter. Love is a dedicated team member of the Georgia and Alabama chapter and always enjoys planning events for our supporters and organization.

     “Walk for Wishes is going to be an absolute blast this spring. “ Love said. “Our supporters have already raised over $71,000 and I couldn’t be happier to work for such an amazing organization. This walk is going to be so successful and I can’t wait to get out there and walk with everyone. I couldn’t do my job without our awesome supporters and volunteers, so I think it is very important that our staff participates

-more-

in this walk as well.”

     We are proud to announce that Walk for Wishes will be held in Atlanta at Atlantic Station on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Atlantic Station is a welcoming community located in the heart of Atlanta that includes indoor and outdoor attractions. The development consists of up-scale housing with world-class restaurants, theaters, retailers, community events and extraordinary exhibits such as Bodies and Dialogue In The Dark. Atlantic Station provides homes for 10,000 people and offers 30,000 job opportunities.

     Jenna Thomas, media relations with Cohne & Wolfe for Atlantic Station, is pleased to be a part the awesome events that Atlantic Station hosts each month. “I am really excited to be helping out with Walk for Wishes this April. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a great organization, and Atlantic Station is very honored to be a part of this walk to help out the children with illnesses in our own community.”

     The registration cost to participate in the walk is $10.00 and our wonderful supporters that raise $100 or more will receive a Walk for Wishes t-shirt. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk program will start at 10:30 a.m. Walk for Wishes will end promptly at 11:30 a.m. Walkers and guest are invited to enjoy all the attractions offered at Atlantic Station and around Atlanta after the Walk for Wishes festivities are completed.

     Frank Shankwitz, Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, and Scott Stahl founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation in November 1980. A little boy named Christian James Greicius who was suffering from leukemia, dreamed of becoming a police officer. The three

-more-

founders saw how happy Christian was after receiving his one wish, and wondered how they could do the same for other children suffering from life threatening medical conditions.

     By March 1981, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, now a (c)(3) non-profit organization, raised over $2,000 and was able to grant its first official wish. The first Make-A-Wish kid was a 7-year-old boy named Frank Salazar who was diagnosed with leukemia. His dream was to become a fire fighter. In Arizona, the Phoenix Fire Department provided Frank with a full uniform including turnouts, a badge and a helmet. Franks day was made when the fire department let him blast the horn and use the 75-pound hose on the fire truck.  From there, media coverage of Frank made others want to help the cause too.

     Many corporations, such as Disneyland, wanted to help the foundation. Corporate sponsor Disneyland, created a special day only for The Make-A-Wish Foundation wish recipients. This day is filled with rides, fun and games, food, gifts and more. To this day, the foundation and Disneyland both have an enchanting relationship.

     From the first wish granted in 1981 to the present, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 200,000 wishes and has over 75,000 volunteers. The first donation was $15 from a grocery store manager who pulled it right out of his back pocket. Thanks to all the generous donations, a wish that cost an average of $7,000 is granted every 40 minutes.

-more-

     All kids suffering from serious medical conditions ages two and a half to 18 and meet the medical criteria established by the foundation are eligible to have their wish granted. The first step in getting a wish granted is to refer a child online.

Children’s requests usually begin with, I wish to be, I wish to go, I wish to have and I wish to meet. None of the children are denied due to lack of funds and local chapters grant the children’s wishes.

     The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama was founded in 1995 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The chapter has 21 full and part-employees, two main offices in Georgia and Alabama and more than 10 corporate sponsors. Over 4,000 wishes have been granted by this chapter and hoping to grant 350 wishes in 2011.

     Walk for Wishes Atlanta 2011 is going to be a great fundraiser for this chapter. We look forward to seeing all of our supporters and having a successful and safe walk on April 16, at Atlantic Station.

     The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 and gives hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. As a national, non-profit organization, The Make-A-Wish Foundation is honored to grant a new wish to a deserving child every 40 minutes.

###

COM 3330 News Release

                                                                                            Girl Talk, Inc.

                                                                                            Contact: Christina Collinge

                                                                                            Address: 123 Walk Lane

                                                                                                            Atlanta, GA 30105

                                                                                            Phone: (404) 555-2323

                                                                                            Fax: (404) 555-3232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         Email: ccollinge@gmail.com

Girl Talk Inc. introduces Project Inside Out

Atlanta, Ga. (March 15, 2011)—Girl Talk Inc. introduces Project Inside Out: a weeklong summer camp that can be inspiring through our impact sessions, community service projects, high school girl mentors and key messages from community leaders.

     Middle school is tough for young girls, and we think they should grow from one another and have fun while learning and being encouraged throughout a week of non-stop inspiration at Project Inside Out.

     Project Inside Out was developed by Haley Kilpatrick, founder and Executive Director of Girl Talk Inc. Kilpatrick first introduced the idea of Project Inside Out when she thought about her summers sitting at home when she was a middle school girl. The idea of a safe place to attend and wonderful messages to learn and grow from for a whole week is Kilpatrick’s goal with Project Inside Out.

     “Girl Talk is looking forward to this summer and it’s amazing possibilities with Project Inside Out.” Kilpatrick said.  “I look forward to seeing all the wonderful faces of our girls, and I truly hope they have a wonderful time and leave inspired.” 

     Project Inside Out will be held in three sessions in Atlanta at Holy Innocents Episcopal School, All Saints Episcopal School and Peachtree Presbyterian Church. Each camp session will have 75 slots for rising 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade girls and will cost $295 as it serves as Girl Talk Inc.’s largest fundraiser.

-more-

     Girl Talk Inc. is looking forward to meeting all of you campers, counselors, and volunteers.

     Girl Talk Inc. was founded in 2002 to provide middle school girls with high school mentors. Reaching 43 states, Girl Talk Inc. is inspiring girls to build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and encourage community service.

###

COM 3330 News Story Final Draft

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

February 23, 2011

Assignment #3 Final Draft TV News Story

Pig Roaming Cobb County Finally Caught

Studio: The runaway pot-bellied pig that had been wandering around Kennesaw in Cobb County since Thursday afternoon…was finally caught today.

Studio: Fox 5’s Bob Smith is on the scene. Bob…can you tell us how this three-day adventure ended?

Field: Well…humane traps have been set up since Thursday night. Animal control officials chased the pig for days in the woods here on the Chastain Road on-ramp to Interstate 75 in Kennesaw. Finally…the pig was attracted to the traps where the public officials found it wandering this morning. The pig was caught and taken to the Cobb County Animal Control Shelter police say. It will be held there until it is claimed.

This is Bob Smith…Fox 5 News.

Studio: Thanks Bob.

COM 3330 News Story Rough Draft

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

February 21, 2011

Assignment #3 Rough Draft TV News Story

Pig Roaming Cobb County Finally Caught

Studio: The runaway pot-bellied pig that was wondering around Cobb County in Kennesaw since Thursday afternoon was finally caught today.

Studio: Fox 5’s Bob Smith is on the scene. Bob, can you tell us how this three-day adventure ended?

Field: Well, humane traps have been set up since Thursday night. Animal control officials chased the pig for three days in the woods here on the Chastain Road on ramp to Interstate 75 in Kennesaw. Finally, the pig was attracted to the traps where the public officials found the pig wondering this morning. The pig was then caught and brought to the Cobb County Animal Control Shelter until it is claimed. This is Bob Smith, Fox 5 News.

Studio: Thanks Bob.

Interview Feature Story~Final Draft

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

February 14, 2011

Final Draft-Assignment #2 Interview Feature Story

   

     In 2002, Haley Kilpatrick started an organization that would change the lives of middle school girls.

     Born in 1986, Kilpatrick was an extremely bright kid who got great grades in school and loved interacting with people. However, starting in middle school, Kilpatrick had a hard time with the hormonal changes in her body, pressures and anxieties a young girl goes through. In addition, Kilpatrick had a hard time finding friends and being self-confident while developing into a young woman.

     At the age of 15, she started a non-profit organization that created positive weekly student-to-student mentoring programs, led by high school girls, for middle school girls. Her idea was to create a free program that could be used by middle school girls all around the world. This organization is called Girl Talk.

     Once the program got going, she knew it was what she was supposed to do with her life. Kilpatrick graduated from high school and attended Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga., when she graduated in 2007 with a degree in communication and concentration in public relations.

     In 2008, Erin Patterson, a KSU student majoring in communication was Kilpatrick’s intern at Girl Talk. When Patterson graduated in 2009, Kilpatrick hired her as Girl Talk’s first full-time employee in the position of chapter and programs coordinator.

     I got a chance to sit down with Patterson and talk with her about Girl Talk’s mission, chapters and the importance of Project Inside Out summer camps.

Collinge: What is Girl Talk’s mission and what does it mean to you as your job and how does it affect your everyday life?

Patterson: Girl talk’s mission is to help teenage girls with building self-esteem, develop leadership skills and recognize the value and importance of community service. My job means the world to me. I always wanted to work somewhere that I truly believed in, and now I come to work every day knowing that I am a part of changing girl’s lives. It’s awesome. And does it affect me as a person? Yeah, it does. I change lives while I’m at work, so I really try to continue to do the same thing while I’m away from work.  

Collinge: What are the Girl Talk chapters and what do they entail?

Patterson: Each chapter is what Girl Talk is all about. In other words, it’s where the magic happens. Haley started the first chapter at her school, Deerfield Windsor in Albany, Ga. Every chapter meets weekly and the high school girls teach the middle school girls the Girl Talk curriculum which deals with community service, how to talk to your parents, being the best you, etc. The chapters can meet anywhere, and a school in Florida actually has a classroom for Girl Talk where all the middle school girls are required to take part in it. It’s amazing how fast Girl Talk is growing.

Collinge: Can you tell me about your middle school experience? Would you have liked to be a part of Girl Talk when you were in middle school?

Patterson: My middle school experience over all was pretty good. I was a part of the dance team, danced at Atlanta Ballet and had a great group of friends. All in all, I think that if I could have been a part of an organization like Girl Talk, I would have had much better self-esteem and less anxiety about my transition through my teen years. So yes! I would have really enjoyed Girl Talk.

Collinge: Do you want to tell me a little more about the summer camps?

Patterson: Of course. Project Inside Out is a weeklong camp in the summer and it is all about inspiration: getting inspiration through our guest speakers, the older girls, volunteers and the impact sessions. The camps were designed to help middle school girl’s blossom as much as they possibly can in a week’s time. Some girls even come to more than one camp because they just don’t want to leave. The camps really are a great way for the girls to open up and overcome the obstacles they struggle with.

Collinge: What is the importance of having high school girl mentors, especially at the Girl Talk summer camps?

Patterson: All middle school girls look up to the older high school girls. These mentors truly change the young girl’s lives and it is so amazing to watch the middle school girls blossom into young women during one week at Project Inside Out.

Collinge: Where are the camps offered? What do the camps involve?

Patterson: All three camp sessions are in Atlanta but we are hoping to hold summer camps in other states in the near future. Each session includes impact sessions, community service projects, high school girl mentors and key messages from community leaders.

Collinge: What is the most fabulous thing you have seen at a camp session?

Patterson: I’m so glad you asked this. Her name was Amanda. The first day of camp she was so shy, didn’t know anyone and she held her head down at all times. It was so sad. But I tell you what. The last day of camp, she was on the stage giving her testimony about how much she loved Girl Talk and how confident she was about herself. It was so inspirational to see that. Camp is a great place where the girls can all learn and be inspired from one another.

Collinge: What is your future goal for Girl Talk?

Patterson: My goal for Girl Talk is to get more support so that we can have chapters worldwide. We can do so much more with Girl Talk if we had more support, and I know it will happen soon enough.

Collinge: Do you feel like you have a rewarding career?

Patterson: I definitely do.

     Girl Talk, with the joint efforts of Kilpatrick, Patterson and the insane amount of volunteers and interns, has now reached 46 states and more than 32,000 girls. It is also the fastest-growing nonprofit organization in the nation. Kilpatrick’s goal is to make sure that all 50 states have a Girl Talk chapter by the end of the 2011 school year.  

Assignment #2-Interview Feature Story-Rough Draft

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/04

February 9, 2011

Rough Draft-Assignment #2 Interview Feature Story

   

     In 2002, Haley Kilpatrick started an organization that would forever change the lives of middle school girls. Born in 1986, Kilpatrick was always an extremely bright kid who got great grades and loved interacting with people. However, starting in middle school, Kilpatrick had a hard time with the hormonal, pressures and the anxieties one young girl goes through. In addition to her hormonal struggle, Kilpatrick found it hard to find friends and to be self-confident while developing into a young woman. At the age of 15, she decided to start a non-profit organization that would help a middle school girl’s transition from a child into a young lady as smooth and productive as possible. This profound organization is called Girl Talk.

     Kilpatrick started Girl Talk at Deerfield Windsor School in Albany, Ga. Her idea was to create an absolutely free program that would pair middle school girls with high school girl mentors. Once the program got going, she knew it was what she was supposed to do with her life. Kilpatrick graduated from high school and proceeded to attend Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. where she majored in communication with a concentration in public relations. While attending the university, Kilpatrick continued to pursue Girl Talk all around the state of Georgia. Kilpatrick graduated from KSU in 2007 and really got the company rolling in the right direction.

     In 2008, Erin Patterson, a KSU student majoring in communications with a concentration in public relations, was honored to be Kilpatrick’s intern at Girl Talk. When Patterson graduated from KSU in 2009, Kilpatrick was pleased to hire her as Girl Talk’s first full-time employee. Patterson started immediately and began her title as the Chapter and Programs Coordinator.

     Girl Talk functions mainly through its chapters, which is sustained by Patterson. Each chapter contains a group of middle and high school girls, an adult volunteer, and an advisor whom is usually a counselor or social worker. All chapters are completely free, and the Girl Talk curriculum is offered online, or a hard copy of the curriculum can be ordered online. Some of the lesson plans administered by the high school girls are being nice, how to be a good friend and community service.

    The second main function of Girl Talk is through its Project Inside Out summer camps that are all located in Atlanta, Ga. Each camp session is a weeklong day camp that inspires middle school girls through impact sessions, community service projects, high school girl mentors and key messages from community leaders. Camp is a great place where the girls can all learn and be inspired from one another.

     “All middle school girls look up to the older high school girls. These mentors truly change the young girl’s lives and it is so amazing to watch the middle school girls blossom into young women during one week at Project Inside Out!” Patterson said.

     I got a chance to sit down with Patterson and talk with her more about Girl Talk’s mission and the importance of Project Inside Out summer camps.

Collinge: What is Girl Talk’s mission and what does it mean to you as your job and how does it affect your everyday life?

Patterson: Girl talk’s mission is to help teenage girls with building self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and recognize the value and importance of community service. My job means the world to me. I always wanted to work somewhere that I truly believed in, and now I come to work every day knowing that I am a part of changing girl’s lives. It’s awesome! And does it affect me as a person? Yeah, it does. I change lives while I’m at work, so I really try to continue to do the same thing while I’m away from work.  

Collinge: That’s great! Can you tell me about your middle school experience? Would you have liked to be a part of Girl Talk when you were in middle school?

Patterson: My middle school experience over all was pretty good. I was a part of the dance team, danced at Atlanta Ballet, and had a great group of friends. All in all though, I think that if I could have been a part of an organization like Girl Talk, I would have had much better self-esteem and less anxiety about my transition through my teen years. So yes! I would have really enjoyed Girl Talk.

Collinge: It sounds like an awesome program. Do you want to tell me a little more about the summer camps?

Patterson: Of course. Project Inside Out is a weeklong camp in the summer and it is all about inspiration: getting inspiration through our guest speakers, the older girls, volunteers and the impact sessions! The camps were designed to help middle school girl’s blossom as much as they possibly can in a week’s time. Some girls even come to more than one camp because they just don’t want to leave! The camps really are a great way for the girls to open up and overcome the obstacles they struggle with.

Collinge: How cool! What is the most fabulous thing you have seen at a camp session?

Patterson: I’m so glad you asked this. Her name was Amanda. The first day of camp she was so shy, didn’t know anyone, and she held her head down at all times. It was so sad. But I tell you what! The last day of camp, she was on the stage giving her testimony about how much she loved Girl Talk and how confident she was about herself. It was so inspirational to see that.

Collinge: Wow. It sounds like you have one of the best jobs ever.

Patterson: I definitely do.

     Girl Talk, with the joint efforts of Kilpatrick, Patterson and the insane amount of volunteers, has now reached 46 states and more than 32,000 girls. It is also the fastest growing nonprofit organization in the nation. Kilpatrick’s goal is to make sure that all 50 states have a Girl Talk chapter by the end of the 2011 school year.  

Basic News Story~Final Draft

Christina Collinge

COM 3330/ 04

February 8, 2011

Writing Assignment #1-Basic News Story- Final Draft

Pig Roaming Cobb County Finally Caught

The black runaway pot-bellied pig that was wandering around Cobb County off Chastain Road in Kennesaw on Thursday afternoon was finally caught on Sunday morning police said.

The small pig was itinerant around the dumpsters in the back of Kayson’s restaurant on Chastain Road when an employee, Candice Estes, noticed the hairy, uninvited visitor. Kayson’s employees, only considered for the pig’s safety, called animal control.

Animal control officers said that after tending to the dumpster, the pot-bellied pig ran along Interstate 75. Many people continued to call local news stations to help officials locate the pig. Pot-bellied pigs can grow to be about 125 pounds, and from the extensive chase the pig has given the officials, eyewitness Larry Sanders said the pig had to be a baby because it looked no more than 30 pounds. Kennesaw State University police sent out an alert to all students and faculty members saying where the pig was sited, and assured the faculty and staff that the pig was not dangerous.

Animal control and police officers, concerned that the pig might run into oncoming traffic on I-75 and cause an accident, attempted to catch the nomadic pig. The attempt was a failure. The pig had run into the woods at sundown. Officer Joe Hernandez, a spokesman with Cobb County Police Department, said that Cobb County and animal control officers would continue their search early Friday morning.

Authorities’ attempts to capture the pig failed. The pig was spotted again on Friday morning when search efforts continued. Hernandez said that animal control officers C. Awtrey and N. Walker set up traps for the pig and then later R.Tate and N. Walker continued to chase the pig with nets. Around 11 a.m., the pig went back into the woods where authorities could not locate it police said.  Around 4:30 p.m. it was spotted again when a caller called a local news station in Atlanta regarding the location of the pig. Efforts to catch the wayward pig Saturday were again unsuccessful, but by Saturday night, the pot-bellied animal was finally lured close by one of the humane traps. Hernandez said that on Sunday morning, three days after the initial sighting of the pig, animal control officials gathered around the I-75 on ramp to Chastain Road to find the pig near the traps that they had set up on Thursday evening. Animal control officials were then able to use the necessary tools to capture the runaway pig around 10:00 a.m. Hernandez said.

No one has yet to claim the pig. The animal was not harmed during the rescue and was sent to the Cobb County Animal Shelter, Hernandez said. If no one claims the pig soon, it will be sent to an organization that rescues and takes care of pigs.  

COM 3330 News Story Rough Draft

Pig Roaming Cobb County Finally Caught

The runaway black pot bellied pig that was roaming around Kennesaw in Cobb County off Chastain road on Thursday afternoon was finally caught on Sunday morning.

Spotted in Kennesaw, the pig was roaming around the dumpsters at Kayson’s restaurant when an employee, Candice Estes, noticed the hairy, uninvited visitor.

After tending to the dumpster, the pot bellied pig continued to run along Interstate 75. Many people continued to call local news stations to help officials on the where about of the pig. Pot bellied pigs can grow to be about 125 pounds, and from the look of this pig, it was said that it is just a baby. Kennesaw State University police sent out an alert stating where the pig was sited, and to ensure the faculty and staff that the pig was not affirmed as dangerous.

Concerned for rush hour traffic in Atlanta, animal control and police officers attempted to catch the nomadic pig in fear of the animal running into ongoing traffic and causing an accident on I-75 or on Chastain Road. The attempt of catching the pig was unsuccessful. The pig had run into the woods once the sun was setting. Officer Joe Hernandez, a spokesperson with Cobb County Police Department, stated that Cobb County and animal control officers would continue the search efforts early Friday morning.

Friday and Saturday were consistent in failed attempts for authorities to capture the black pig.  The pig was spotted on Friday morning when search efforts continued. Animal control officers C. Awtrey and N. Walker tried to trap the pigs Friday morning. One our later around 11 a.m., the pig went back into the woods where authorities could not locate it.  Around 4:30 p.m. it was spotted again when a caller regarding the location of the pig but it was again, not captured. Finally, on Saturday night, animal control set up traps in a hopeful attempt to finally catch the pot bellied animal. On Sunday morning, three days after the initial sighting of the pig, all officials gathered around I-75 at Chastain Road to find the pig near the traps that had been set up the night before. Animal control officials were then able to use the necessary tools to finally capture the runaway pig around 10:00 a.m..

The owners of the pig were thought to be on the scene of the pig's first appearance on Friday, but no one has yet to claim the pig. The animal was not harmed during the rescue and was sent to the Cobb County Animal Shelter. If no one claims the pig soon, it will be sent to an organization that rescues and takes care of pigs.