Say farewell to 757: Teens Cover the Code

What began as a Virginian-Pilot experiment to attract young readers turned into an award-winning youth publication that spanned nearly 18 years and showcased the talents of hundreds of teen correspondents, several of whom later chose journalism as a profession.

The section debuted as Teenology in the fall of 1991, and when Hampton Roads got a new area code in 1997, the name changed to 757: Teens Cover the Code.

It’s been brought to you here, in The Daily Break, since 1998.

Today is its final publication date.

Thanks to all the teenagers throughout the years who have brought wonderful, local coverage to the readers of Hampton Roads. 

Although I never learned to write a simple declarative sentence, 757 showed me that journalism can be saved by an inherent and deep-seeded amateurism. I don’t mean sloppiness, but approaching the outside world with the fresh eyes of a child, or at least someone who isn’t getting paid.

– Hunter Braithwaite, 22, Princess Anne High School and College of William and Mary graduate, freelance writer living in Washington, D.C., 757 columnist and writer 2003-04

It sounds corny, but writing for 757 – or Teenology as it was known when I first came on board in 1996 – cemented my desire to pursue journalism as a career.

Years later, I was invited back to The Virginian-Pilot newsroom as a summer intern because of my efforts with 757. That experience, paired with other reporting jobs, got me to where I am today: in The Pilot’s Suffolk office as an education and general assignment reporter.

– Hattie Brown Garrow, 28, Indian River High School and University of Maryland graduate, teen correspondent 1996-99

In 1992, The Virginian-Pilot’s then-youth editor, Lorraine Eaton, came to speak at a career day at Lynnhaven Junior High School . It occurred to me that the newspaper had no 13-year-olds writing for it. Lorraine took my call and asked me to send something in.

My first article was published in 1992, in The Daily Break Teenology section, with my column following as a regular feature soon after.

When I wasn’t being controversial, I wrote about Jell-O, school lunches, the new 757 area code, Marco Polo and many other topics.

– Jennifer Dziura, 30, a comedian in New York, teen columnist 1992-96

Growing up in an abusive home, I needed a positive outlet to channel my feelings. I found that in these pages. Here, I learned a craft and gained many mentors. And 757 gave me a solid foundation for a journalism career.

I am truly thankful to have been a part of 757.

– Jennifer Jiggetts, 23, a Nansemond River High School and Norfolk State University graduate, reporter at The Carroll County Times in Westminster, Md., 757 correspondent 2000-03

Contributing to 757 taught me virtually everything I know about journalism – the “inverted pyramid structure,” hard-news leads and the importance of details. Most importantly, I learned lessons of diligence, responsibility and effective communi-cation that will guide me in and out of the newsroom. Thanks for the memories … and the clips!

– Hilary Saunders, 20, a junior print journalism and American studies major with a music performance minor at the University of Miami in Florida, the editor of The Miami Hurricane’s arts and entertainment section called The Edge, 757 correspondent 2001-06

Seven years ago my heart jumped when I saw my first byline in 757. It wasn’t narcissism; it was the start of my lifelong journalism love affair. I’ve kept my clips, neatly folded, in a bin in my closet, but the lessons I learned as a correspondent and columnist are even closer with me as I continue my reporting career.

– Kate Shellnutt, Ocean Lakes High School and Washington and Lee University graduate, a graduate student at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.; 757 correspondent 2002-04, columnist 2003-04

Because of Teenology, I found my passion – and had the opportunity to freelance 500-plus stories for The Pilot. I found support – editors and staffers who helped me attain $50,000 in scholarships. Most importantly, I found friends – folks in the newsroom to whom I’m still close today.

– Holly Van Auken, 34, Virginia Beach, pharmaceu-tical sales representative, Kellam High School and Virginia Wesleyan College graduate, correspondent 1991-97

757 gave me a chance to be the journalist Clark Kent. 757 opened unimaginable doors for me, which led me to The Virginian-Pilot’s Ingram Youth Award, a $500 scholarship for being an outstanding, dedicated journ alist. 757 taught me that the voices of the people are essential and that journalism does not have to be an assignment, but rather one of the talents I possess. Being in 757 is the highlight of my adolescent years.

– Jeremy Garcia Vinluan, 19, Ocean Lakes High School graduate, freshman premedicine major at the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, 757 correspondent 2007-08

In high school I hated writing but loved the act of investigating – finding a story and sharing it. As I started to write for 757, I learned to hone my skills journalistically. By the time I graduated, I knew I had found a career. Now in my junior year at Fordham University, Lincoln Center, I am the managing editor of the student-run paper and interning at Details magazine.

– Ashley Wenners Herron, 20, Princess Anne High School graduate, 757 correspondent 2002-06

I wouldn’t be where I am without my experiences working with this section … literally, and, well, literally. It was cool working and hearing from people that were just as passionate about what they did as I was. The 757 gave teens a legitimate voice, and, for that, it will be sorely missed.

– Soojin Yoon, 19, Maury High School graduate, University of Southern California sophomore, 757 columnist 2006-07

Would you like to say farewell to 757: Teens Cover the Code? Leave your farewell here.