Twin college seniors go back to high school

Matt and Chris Sloan speak to students in the journalism class at San Bernardino High School, their alma mater.

(San Bernardino, Calif.,) It’s common for high school students to hear from guest speakers, however, it is rare for them to hear from twin former students who graduated merely five years ago.

California State Polytechnic University in Pomona seniors Christopher and Matthew Sloan are pursuing degrees in public relations.

The twins, interns at Dameron Communications, spoke to two groups: a graphic arts and printing course and a journalism course.

The two San Bernardino High School alumni came expecting to speak to the graphic arts and printing class (a San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools Regional Occupational Program) at San Bernardino High School taught by Lawrence Herrbach. However, upon the request of their former English teacher, Henry Ho, they gladly spoke in his class as well.

The first presentation was on the importance of the graphic arts/printing class and how the basic skills learned in the class can be applied within careers in printing, graphic design and even in photography.

The Sloans stressed that these basic skills could be used as a building block to many careers in life, as well as different career paths in college.

The students had many questions about college, including: student housing, the cost of college, the affordability of college and even questions about college parties.

“The best part of guest speaking was the opportunity to share with students that even if you come from a single family home, you can still go to college. I was shocked to discover that most students did not know that they could receive financial help to attend college, nor that the cost to attend a Cal State is just $3,500 a year,” said Christopher Sloan.

Matthew thought the hardest part of the presentation was trying to convince one student that just because he knows how to build engines, it doesn’t mean he will be hired as an auto mechanic without first being certified. Sloan advised the student to sign up for the high school auto shop program and then upon completion of the course, take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam.

Their experience with the college newspaper, journalism and photography courses and being photography lab technician/teacher’s assistants, allowed them to give a second presentation on journalism and photography.

“The journalism presentation was a lot different. Students sat at the edge of their seats soaking up any and all advice I could possible give them. Given that no one within the class has prior journalism experience, the quality of the paper they produce is simply amazing,” said Matthew. “They really put in the extra effort to go above and beyond the typical student.”

Mr. Ho challenges his students to write on topics such as conflict, sporting events and pep rallies. He runs the course both as a class and as a high school newspaper.

His class has much to learn about journalism and photography; however, they are off to a great start.

In the spirit of community service, Christopher and Matthew Sloan have decided to volunteer once a week to help advice the staff of the San Bernardino High School newspaper.

“The most important thing I have learned from my mentor Carl Dameron, of Dameron Communications, is that you must find a way to contribute to your community. Right now, I can do this by helping with the high school newspaper and guest speaking on as to why attending college is so important,” said Christopher.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award wining agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of a potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.