Catching Up With Chris

Chris Lenerz is the District 5 Director of the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) and the advisor for the newspaper and yearbook at Pine View Middle and High School in Sarasota, Fla.

Lenerz enjoys the freedom that comes with advising journalism. Students take charge by doing almost all the work, from writing to editing.

“I love journalism because it’s student-run. I really just advise. The students run the publication, they make the decisions and they’re passionate about it because they know if they don’t get it done, it won’t get done because I’m not doing it. They appreciate the fact I give them ownership,” Lenerz said.

Lenerz enjoys witnessing the improvement of his staff from inexperienced staffers to super-star editors. Not only does their writing improve but their confidence as well.

“The other thing I love is being with the same kids for four years,” Lenerz said. “You really get to see their growth. They come in all shy; they can barely look you in the eye. By the time they graduate, they’re an editor, they’re interviewing administrators, they have leadership skills… seeing that growth is really satisfying as a teacher.”

FSPA holds a special place in Lenerz’s heart as he believes it motivates his publications to try their hardest. Especially after COVID-19, the lost in enthusiasm in journalism is discouraging, but being connected with other journalists at FSPA has allowed his staffs to find their spark yet again.

“I think FSPA is so special especially now because our morals after those two years of COVID, trying to get people motivated to get their stories done and do work, I think a big part of it was not going on any field trips. The kids come back energized, excited about journalism, and all sorts of things they want to put into place for next year,” Lenerz said.

Lenerz is excited to see the stars align as his staff gather with other student journalist at the 2023 FSPA State Convention.