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My side of the line
COURIER reporter honored
By Rebecca JamesCourie
Editor-in-Chief
Calling attention to and reporting on issues that affect the residents of Claremont comes with a double-edged sword. For how does one complete this task without first weighing the consequences of such an action? It is a fine line that reporters walk when delivering the news. Many, for the sake of sensationalism, report stories veiled in drama, while other reporters use judgment. In our case, this does not mean that stories aren’t covered in the COURIER. It means that the reporter will balance the story with both sides of an issue. It is so easy to report failure and much more challenging to find the good.
It is this fine line that our sports and education reporter, Landus Rigsby, understands. And now his dedication, hard work and compassion have paid off. The Association of California School Administrators has honored him with the “Outstanding Media Coverage of Public Education Award.”
Nominated by the Claremont chapter, Claremont Management Association, Mr. Rigsby was selected from a list of reporters in a region that covers school districts between Glendale and Claremont, and between Rowland Hacienda/La Puente and Antelope Valley – possibly the largest region in California.
The purpose of the award is to “recognize media outlets that go above and beyond regular reporting to highlight public education.”
Upon hearing of his nomination and winning, Mr. Rigsby was very surprised.
“I never expected anything like this,” he said. “But it’s a team effort, and the photos that Gabriel [Fenoy] takes really makes the story, too.”
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COURIER photo/Gabriel Fenoy
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| COURIER reporter Landus Rigsby |
“What distinguishes Landus the most is that he is an advocate of the student voice,” said Tom Cooper, principal of Sycamore Elementary School. “He always includes the students’ perspective and ideas into his stories. He quotes them, uses their ideas to shape his story, and ends with a closing comment straight from the students’ reflection.”
Oakmont Elementary School Principal Kevin Ward said, “I think he reflects the best that our schools are and writes stories, especially his sports coverage and ones about school events, that really communicate to the public what we are doing well.”
Lori Kerns, principal of Chaparral Elementary School has enjoyed a series developed by Mr. Rigsby.
“His series on principals really is an attempt to get the community more connected to us . . . as the ‘face’ of the school,” she said.
Vista del Valle Elementary School Principal Ley Yeager is impressed with Mr. Rigsby’s style of reporting.
“This award was made for a local reporter like Landus and his efforts to highlight school’s bright spots,” he said.
Tim Northrup, principal of Condit Elementary School stated, “He is excited to be able to show all of the great things happening at our schools.”
In a letter to the nominating committee, El Roble Intermediate School Principal Kevin Grier wrote, “Too many times educational administrators fret about talking to the press for fear that whatever will be reported will malign the school or display the school in a less than stellar light. This is not the case with Landus. He is accurate and fair above all other things, but also understands the need of a community to embrace its schools wherever possible.”
Three articles written by Mr. Rigsby were also included in the nomination packet. I was also asked and pleased to write a letter on his behalf. I truly feel that Mr. Rigsby is not afraid to tackle a tough issue and, when he does, he handles it with a positive pen. He has created an invaluable relationship with CUSD – one that maintains an open flow of communication. Landus is a trusted reporter – one that is not feared but welcomed into a group. Landus is a valued employee as well – upon which we can always depend. Every newspaper should have a Landus Rigsby. At the Claremont COURIER, we are proud that we do.
