NATCHEZ — Approximately 60 high school students got a taste of a possible career in the media Tuesday at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

The annual Media/Journalism Symposium brought students from Natchez, Brookhaven, Bogue Chitto and Monterey together for a series of workshops and lectures on journalism.

The students attending are active in high school journalism programs and school newspapers, but most haven’t settled on a future in the media.

“Many of these students who are here aren’t actually seeking a career in journalism, but if we can inspire them in any way, it’s worth it,” said Mark LaFrancis, program coordinator and Co-Lin director of public information.

The student attendance was down a bit from previous years, LaFrancis said, but the event was still a success.

Jackson’s WLBT-TV anchor Howard Ballou delivered the keynote address, talking to students about his first-hand experiences watching President Obama’s inauguration.

Natchez High School junior Chris Bowlden said he’s not sure if he has a future in the media or not, but did learn a few lessons from Ballou.

“You have to be a go-getter in whatever you do,” Bowlden said.

Dominisha Harried, also a NHS junior, is a part of the staff of Echoes, the school newspaper. She said Tuesday’s workshops helped her see what a career in TV or newspapers could offer.

“Journalism can be very interesting and rewarding,” she said.

For Ballou, speaking at the event was an important part of his job.

“There’s a possibility we have a budding young journalist in there,” he said. “I enjoy interacting with young folks, and if there is one who comes away saying, ‘I really could enjoy working in journalism,’ it’s worth the trip.

“And it’s just part of giving back to the community.”

NHS brought eight students to the symposium, and Monterey School brought approximately 20.

Students also heard from Natchez resident and TV and film producer Jennifer Ogden.