Houston Students Join Scholastic Kids Press Team
Two young local reporters earn spots on a national journalism program for children.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Pre-Teens
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Two students from Houston have been selected as members of the prestigious Scholastic Kids Press program. They are among only 10 reporters nationwide chosen to cover news and conduct interviews for a youth audience.
Why it matters
The program encourages literacy by empowering students to explore new ideas and share knowledge through their own journalism. By interviewing influential figures, these young reporters help inspire children across the country to read and engage with the world.
Kush Kalra and 11-year-old Julia Gondorchin represent two of the 10 Scholastic Kids Press reporters selected nationwide. The program recruits young journalists who apply following encouragement from their educators.
The players
Kush Kalra
He is a Houston-based student and a returning reporter for the Scholastic Kids Press program.
Julia Gondorchin
She is an 11-year-old student from Houston recently named to the national team of young reporters.
Scholastic Kids Press
This is a national youth journalism program that features student-written stories and interviews with influential public figures.
James Cameron
He is a renowned filmmaker who has previously been interviewed by members of the Scholastic Kids Press program.
The details
Selected students gain the opportunity to interview public figures and write feature stories for a national readership. Kush Kalra is a returning participant who has previously interviewed filmmaker James Cameron, while Julia Gondorchin recently completed the first book of The Lord of the Rings series.
Timeline
The announcement regarding these local student reporters was published on October 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The rise of student-led journalism platforms reflects a broader shift toward media literacy and the rejection of passive content consumption among youth. This move positions young voices as active participants in the cultural conversation rather than mere observers.
Houston families may find that the presence of local students in a national program encourages children to pursue writing and extracurricular journalism. Students interested in similar roles can look for opportunities to develop their literacy skills through teacher-led initiatives.
The takeaway
Engaging with journalism can serve as a powerful tool for middle school students to sharpen their critical thinking and reading skills. Parents can support this growth by encouraging children to document their interests and share their findings with the community.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments for youth in the Pre-Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPRC.
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