It’s possible, that at this moment, Andrew Castillo-Cockrum is reading this same article. It’s possible that he’s reading the article with scissors in hand and at the ready to cut it out for a piece of memorabilia.
Castillo-Cockrum named editor in chief of ‘The Sting’
By Nate Hansen
Larson Newspapers
It’s possible, that at this moment, Andrew Castillo-Cockrum is reading this same article. It’s possible that he’s reading the article with scissors in hand and at the ready to cut it out for a piece of memorabilia.
Castillo-Cockrum could possibly be engrossed in the article as most who read pieces about themselves. Curiously, he might be scratching his head wondering if these words are how others would describe him.
But, so is not the case with Castillo-Cockrum.
More than likely, the spirited 17-year-old is doing more than perusing each paragraph for eloquence and articulation. Rather, he’s searching in-depth for the who, what, why, when, where and how. He’s checking grammar and syntax, but hopefully allowing some leeway for creative license and personal style.
But why wouldn’t the young man be in the habit of offering his own guidance? After all, he’s Sedona Red Rock High School’s new editor in chief of The Sting.
Castillo-Cockrum, a senior at SRRHS, carries a small frame but has enough explosive energy to set anyone back a step or two. Upon being approached for an interview by Sedona Red Rock News, he leapt from a desk chair of his journalism class, happy to oblige.
Already a successful Scorpions baseball player, Castillo-Cockrum resembles someone a coach might play in outfield or at shortstop for his quick jumps on any hit, bounce and ability to throw the baseball anywhere it needs to go with ace precision. He exudes the confidence of a lead hitter, depended on to make things happen and cover all the bases. The analogy is perfect for writing news; deadlines or strikeouts, home runs or awards.
In the fashion of any true writer, Castillo-Cockrum exhibits the quirkiness needed to confront subjects and interview them candidly. With his Nike ball cap worn backwards and alternative style necklace dangling on the outside of his T-shirt, he portrays a mild-mannered teen.
A gleaming innocence and contagious smile reminds people of The Daily Planet’s Clark Kent. Subconsciously, people know he’s bound to do great things.
Last year, Castillo-Cockrum immersed himself in sportswriting for The Sting. He says he loves sports, especially looking for the names and pictures of friends, in addition to reading box scores.
Today, he admits he’s a big fan of the Sedona Red Rock News’ Brian Bergner Jr. with whom he is coordinating a sportswriting seminar for his fellow journalism junkies — rather, his staff of 15 news writing and newsworthy colleagues.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s graduate, Indra Ekmanis, Castillo-Cockrum plans to maintain the newspaper’s objective for nine monthly issues, increased one issue from the year before.
In addition, Castillo-Cockrum says he’s anxious to contribute more thought-provoking pieces to each edition.
No, not necessarily the article content, he says. He’s looking forward to adding crossword puzzles and Suduko.
Definitely the sports-oriented sort.
Castillo-Cockrum says his Senior Exhibition, as required by SRRHS, will also relate to journalism and, of course, sports.
As a result, he says his goal is to construct an exhibition teaching people "How to Lay Out a Sports Page." From what he learned at a journalism convention in Denver, the best effect sports pages have on readers is the way in which the page is read.
He says studies show laying out a page by levels of interest in a "backwards six" catches most eyes.
The few people listening to the teen move their eyes and fingers in a backwards six, each agreeing they often find
themselves reading the same way.
Some of the influences Castillo-Cockrum already received guidance from are notable sportswriters of the Boston Herald. Although those connections are priceless, he hopes to engage in correspondence of some sort with legendary tennis sportswriter Arthur "Bud" Collins for a lifetime of advice.
If this happens, it can be assured he’ll "love" the "volley" of conversation.
Though Castillo-Cockrum isn’t sure where he will attend college next year, he does know his future involves baseball.
In the meantime, applications are out to Yavapai College and a few out of state colleges, all showing interest in journalism, photography and Spanish.
The countdown to graduation already began, but Castillo-Cockrum and his cohorts have lots of work to do. Interviews, Op-Eds, photographs, ads and layouts are only a few steps they must take during his last year as Scorpions.
Thankfully, as chief of The Sting, he can write history exactly the way he sees fit.
Nate Hansen can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 132, or e-mail to nhansen@larsonnewspapers.com.
