Issue I
September 28, 2026
Martinsville Middle School is beginning another school year with a wonderful group of returning SCA homeroom reporters, along with several new reporters for the 2026–2027 school year.
All homeroom reporters are elected by their classmates. Serving as a reporter is an important responsibility. Reporters must be organized, trustworthy, good speakers, and good writers as they represent their homerooms and help share the voices of their fellow students through the Bulldog Beat.
Since Constitution Day was celebrated this month on September 17, all of this issue’s interview questions focused on the Constitution, our rights and responsibilities, freedom, equality, and the importance of rules.
We will begin with our sixth-grade reporters!
Sixth Grade
DaMari Perkins, sixth-grade reporter, asked, “Have you ever heard of Constitution Day? What do you think it celebrates?”
J’Leesa Covington and Zamari Witcher said that it celebrates the Constitution, and Oscar Ruiz Telles said that it celebrates the day the Constitution was signed.
Allison Chavez Dominguez, sixth-grade reporter, asked, “Why do you think a country needs written rules?”
Students responded that we need written rules so we know what to do, so we can make the world better, and so nothing bad happens.
Allan Myers, sixth-grade reporter, asked, “What is one right you believe every citizen should have?”
Ashanti said that the right everyone should have is freedom. Sebastian said the right everyone should have is the right to vote. Sofia said people who do not have food should have the right to food.
Solomon Ray, sixth-grade reporter, asked, “What is one responsibility children have in their community?”
Students said that responsibilities include not fighting anyone, not littering, and not stealing.
Kalia Dillard, sixth-grade reporter, asked, “Why is it important for people to have freedom of speech?”
Ja’Mairius said that if we did not have freedom of speech, we would still have slavery and that it would not be fair if we did not have freedom.
Aalaysia said, “Because everyone has to express their feelings and things they have in their mind.”
Allison said, “Because if your parents killed someone, you don’t want to get in trouble too.”
Seventh Grade
Emery Taylor, seventh-grade homeroom reporter, asked Margot Sharp which right means the most to her.
Margot said the right to vote means the most to her because so many people died and fought hard to get their say in what they believe in. Sharp said she thinks it is not fair for anyone to forget those sacrifices and that they need to be recognized and remembered when people go to vote.
Emery also interviewed Wesley Walker, a seventh grader. Walker said the right to vote is the most important right because people fought for that right so that people far into the future would be able to vote. Walker said that, to him, it is not just about voting. It is also about people being able to express who they are, their opinions, and what they think should happen, even if it does not happen.
Emery also interviewed Amyrah Dillard, a seventh grader, who thought that women’s rights were the most important. When Emery asked her why women’s rights were the most important, Amyrah said, “Because women deserve to have their own choice of voting, speech, and the ability to use their voice on all occasions, just like men.”
Elena Alvarez-Lozano, seventh-grade reporter, asked Amina Rumley what equality means to her.
Amina said that equality means everyone gets treated the same. Gabrielle Murillo said equality is when people are equal and fair toward each other. Janiya Mitchell said she thinks equality means treating people with respect and treating people the way you want to be treated.
Rania Womack, seventh-grade reporter, asked, “Do our rights matter?”
Shamora Kirby said yes, because our rights matter. Cassidy said yes, because we should all have equal rights. Janiya said yes, because if we get rid of the Constitution, it will go back to the separation of the races.
Kyndall Gravely, seventh-grade reporter, asked, “What is the definition of freedom?”
Brayden Lang said, “It means free will.” Dontrae Turner said, “Freedom means the ability to do whatever I want.” Taevon Turner said, “Freedom is to live life without conflict.”
Miriam Carter, seventh-grade reporter, asked, “Why should the government have to follow rules?”
Semaiya Craighead said, “To have a good country.” Adelaide Brent said, “Because bad things can happen if you don’t.” Mercy Moore said, “To make the world a better place.”
Eighth Grade
Melody Farrow, eighth-grade homeroom reporter, asked, “If you could ask one of the writers of the Constitution a question, what would you ask?”
Kaeleb said he would ask if they would add more to the Constitution or change it. Andrew and Riley said they would ask why they made the Constitution.
Jade Holland Dallas, eighth-grade reporter-at-large, asked, “What rights should every student have?”
Mason Wright said, “Vending machines.”
Jade also asked Mr. Schweitzer, the algebra teacher, “What might happen if our school did not have rules?” He said people would do whatever they wanted.
Jade asked Andrew Dillard, “How can people make our school safe for everyone?” Andrew responded, “By stopping bullying.”
King Ray asked, “If you helped write a constitution for our school, what would you include?”
Wyatt said that he would let everyone have their phones. Fernando said that he would let everyone have free seating every day. Serenity said that she would reinforce safety from bullying.
Harmony Coles, eighth-grade homeroom reporter, asked, “Describe the Constitution in one word, and why did you choose that word?”
Shaurya said, “Spine,” because it is the backbone of the government. Shaelen said, “Freedom,” since it gives us our rights to do things. Alanna said, “Safety,” since it has helped people in many ways.
Brooklyn DeShazo, eighth-grade homeroom reporter, asked, “What might happen if our school did not have rules?”
JoJo said people would be stealing stuff. Kendrick said that there would be plenty of fights. Remington said the students would just go crazy.
Destiny Richmond, eighth-grade reporter, asked, “What right do you think every student should have?”
Julian said students should have free time every 30 minutes. Yahya and Reese said that students should be able to have their phones out the whole day.
Gavin Davis, eighth-grade homeroom reporter, asked, “If you could create one new rule for the school, what would it be?”
Kayden Price said bring back personal computers. Brooklyn DeShazo said a fair punishment is needed. Andrea Nowlin said that the dress code needs to be fixed.
Alanna Gerlach, eighth-grade homeroom reporter, asked, “What responsibility should every student have?”
Lily DeJesus said taking care of your health and hygiene. Sixth grader Allan Myers said taking care of all your belongings. Eighth grader Symphony Phillips said keeping your backpacks clean and organized.
Katie Wall, eighth-grade reporter, asked students, “How can students help make our school fair for everyone?”
Destiny Miller said, “By treating everyone with kindness.” Decoyia Smith said, “By respecting everyone.” Mikayla Eccles said, “By holding everyone to the same expectations.”
From freedom of speech and equality to school rules, voting rights, and even cell phones and vending machines, our first group of reporters gave students plenty to think about! Their questions remind us that the ideas found in the Constitution are not just part of history—they continue to shape conversations about rights, responsibilities, fairness, and freedom today.
Return next week when our SCA homeroom reporters will be asking more exciting and thoughtful questions!
