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AHS JOURNALISM GOLD SPONSOR

Jesse McCann Resigns

NEWS BRIEF

Knox McCalla, Junior Editor

February 3, 2026

Screenshot

ACSD School Board agenda for Feb. 4, 7:30 a.m.

The resignation of Jesse McCann, AHS counselor and coach, is the single item on a special school board agenda, to be held tomorrow, Feb. 4, at 7:30 a.m. at the Middle School Conference Room, 1100 Linn Street, Atlantic, Iowa. The resignation is effective Feb 2, 2026.

Jesse McCann joined AHS Staff in 2021. (Taliya James)

About the Contributors

Knox McCalla, Broadcasting Editor

Knox McCalla is a 16-year-old junior and is a junior editor for Senior Magazine, and helps on the broadcasting team. He has even created a new segment called “The McCalla Minute.” He first got into journalism because his sisters both did, and they encouraged him to try it out. And he enjoys writing and technology. The best part of Atlantic High School Journalism is the “freedom it gives me and the privileges. Getting to ask anyone anything, take pictures, write stories, and clear up misinformation.” His favorite memory is writing senior stories. Specifically getting to “make stories like the person I’m writing about.” Outside of journalism, McCalla enjoys movies, music, making movies, “spending time with the boys,” and playing games. He is involved in journalism, choir, the musical, play, and tennis. In the future, he wants a job he can see himself in; “something social and something simple so I can have a fun time.” He is very excited for the upcoming year and to graduate. He can’t wait to see all of the fun things he accomplishes this year. Bio By: Claire Comes

Taliya James, AHS Needle Lead Editor

Taliya James is a senior at AHS. She is the lead editor of AHSNeedle. She runs AHSNeedle.com, edits stories, and runs all of the social media. James recently posted a video that is filled with emotion. James stated, “We asked students what they wish teachers knew and it has been a challenge for me to figure everything out.” The video got the best of SNO. There is so much room for growth and improvement in journalism. “The creativity is amazing. I learn so much from my editors every day. I also love reading and writing so that’s a plus,” James said. There are so many aspects of journalism and so many new things that can be learned and a lot of new friends you can make. Journalists have a life outside of school or their job nobody knows about. James is a cheerleader, dancer, competitive dancer, and she helps in the fall plays occasionally. Many people have many interesting things about them that nobody knows about. “I was born with gastroschisis. 98% of my intestines were outside of my body and I had to go through intense surgeries to save my life. I don’t have a belly button either,” James said. “I love to write poetry. I also love to read and listen to the rain. I also play a lot of Hayday in my free time,” James said, “I am super open-minded, which makes me super easy to talk to.” James looks up to English teacher Allison Berryhill. “She always pushes me to do better and inspires me to go the distance for my future,” James said. Ms. Berryhill inspired her to go to college for secondary education in English. The one person who knows James best is her sister Tayzun. “She is my other half. I can just look at her and she knows everything,” James said. Author: Mollie Gill

AHSneedle

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Jesse McCann Resigns

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