By Ana Jaramillo A female resident of Lake Forest was thought to be a homicide victim. The aggressor and the victim were believed to be in a relationship before the incident. A witness says that there were several gunshots to her chest and head.
This incident was reported at the press conference simulation presented by Deputy Chief Michael Lange to a Lake Forest College journalism class.
Lake Forest College students take notes as Deputy Chief Michael Lange speaks during a mock press conference.
As a senior at Lake Forest College and intern at the City of Lake Forest, I watched this exercise. The students had prepared the proper protocol for a press conference, and all held note pads and while standing around Deputy Chief Lange to hear about the violent crime. Students were able to then ask questions about the victim, the suspected oppressor, the murder weapons, and witnesses. The press conference lasted for about 40 minutes.
Award-winning journalist and Professor Pamela Ferdinand – who first met Deputy Chief Lange last spring when he spoke to one of her classes -- explained the importance of such exercises in the classroom. “He gives the students a type of experience that brings journalistic reporting to life,” Professor Ferdinand said. ” It’s also good for them to hear about what being on the other side of the media is like and the importance of building relationships with sources, even when there is no news.”
The professor took the rest of the class as an opportunity to ask the Deputy Chief about his career and background in law enforcement. Deputy Chief Lange provided numerous experiences from working at a maximum-security prison straight out of college to his present role. He empathized with the students and acknowledged how lost he felt when he graduated college. “When I graduated from college, I had no idea what I wanted to do next,” he said. “My uncle, who worked at a maximum-security prison, recommended working with him because of the great pay. I decided to take a chance, and it turned out to be the job where I learned the most.”
Tracy Wamarema one of the aspiring reporters and a Lake Forest College student, mentioned how insightful these activities are.
“They really help me envision myself as a journalist,” she said. “I think it’s one thing to learn all the tricks of the trade, but to effectively apply them in a real-life situation is something else entirely. “I found Deputy Lange not only insightful but very genuine too. Considering the nature of his job, I expected him to be more stoic or even cynical, but he was upbeat, lively and had a great sense of humor.”
I believe these experiences are enriching and show us how fortunate we are to live in a community that values its students.