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Sunday, November 4, 2001
Meeting new people drives senior to excel
As editor of her school paper, the scholar says she has learned more than she expected
By Miguel A. Castro
Caller-Times

David Adame/Caller-Times

Karnes City High School senior Dena Richardson, a South Texas Distinguished Scholar in communications, is the editor of her student newspaper. The scholar, who has won a number of writing awards, could one day see herself taking Diane Sawyer's job as a television journalist.

   Dena Richardson said she has dreams of becoming a big-city journalist, despite coming from the small town of Karnes City.
   "I always thought it would be neat to take Diane Sawyer's job," said Dena, a 17-year-old senior at Karnes City High School. She said she admires the TV journalist and says Sawyer's in-depth reporting is somewhat of an inspiration. "It could be done . . . maybe in like 30 years."
   Dena already is making her mark in communications.
   The Caller-Times/Channel 6 South Texas Distinguished Scholar in the communications category ranks first in her class of 77 students with a grade average of 97.67 or 101.58 with honors classes figured in.
   Being editor of her high school newspaper, the Badger-Times, Dena has learned more about journalism than she expected.
   "I live in a small town where people don't seem that interesting, but basically when you sit down and get to know them, you learn something you never knew and see how it can actually apply to your own life," Dena said. "That is what I love the most."
   Dena said she loves interviewing and talking with different people each day. That's what drives her to excel. She recalled interviewing a 101-year-old woman before the year 2000 and asking her about her experiences as time changed.
   "A lot of what she said is that people complained too much today, and if they lived back then, they would die," said Dena, who wants to study journalism at the University of Texas.
   "I took that and applied it to my own life on how I complain about homework and other things like that."
   In addition to being editor of the school's newspaper, Dena also is involved in her high school drill team, debate team, National Honor Society and is the president of the Junior Engineering Technical Society on campus.
   Dena has also competed and won awards for headline writing, editorial writing and feature writing at University Interscholastic League state competitions.
   "She is very willing to talk to adults," said Patsy G. Yanta, an English teacher who taught Dena in an advanced language and composition class.
   "A lot of students kind of hesitate to talk with teachers, and she is very willing to do so and willing to come to you and ask for help if it is needed. That alone shows her excellence in communications."
   Dena said her parents, Dicky and Elaine Richardson, always have encouraged her to do the best she can, not only in school but in life.
   "We have always taught her that getting an education is a top priority," said Elaine Richardson, who is also the principal at Roger E. Sides Elementary School in Karnes City. "She's done outstanding, and I am very proud of her. I don't know what parent wouldn't be."


Contact Miguel A. Castro at 886-3758_or castrom@caller.com

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