Students in a popular program at East Middle School in Traverse City are hoping it can be saved from the chopping block. The journalism program, which includes the EMS Press student newspaper, Trojan TV, the annual yearbook and The Link website for Trojan news, is in jeopardy of being cut due to budget constraints. The program has close to 100 seventh and eighth grade students enrolled, with record-high numbers expected for the 2016-17 school year.

"Jazz and Journalism" is a fundraiser presented by East Middle School's newspaper, broadcast and yearbook program to help raise funds. The event – which will be held Sunday, May 29 from 3-5:30pm at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula – will feature student musicians from TCAPS middle and high schools in performance with the Jeff Haas Trio. The event is open to the public, with a suggested minimum donation of $20 in support of the EMS journalism program.

"Our journalism program is one of the most rigorous and authentic programs at our school," says Jody Mackey, broadcast and yearbook teacher. "Budget cuts threaten that program, and this event will hopefully ensure its continuation."