Members from Lake Central Publications and Broadcast Journalism classes attended the National Journalism Convention on Thursday Nov. 10 until Saturday Nov. 12. There students listened to speakers, attended workshops and enhanced journalism schools.
“We started off the trip by leaving the school first hour, then we drove down to Franklin, Ind., where we visited Franklin College for the Indiana Journalism convention where numerous students and our Quiver and Scout got awards. It felt really good because we put in a lot of work last year, so to see it pay off at the convention was cool to see. Then we went to the national convention in Indianapolis. Overall the three days that we were there were really fun,” Stefan Krajisnik (12) said.
Upon arrival, the staff members listened to a radio station interview with journalist Walter Robbie Robinson. The show was broadcasted live at Franklin College with roughly 500 journalism students in the audience. Robinson addressed the movie “Spotlight” where his story as an editor was told. Students asked Robinson questions about subject sensitivity, interviewing tips, and his first hand experience with professional journalism.
“I learned from [Robinson] that a lot more happened that we didn’t know about in the movie because it is hard to pack in months of research into a two hour movie. He showed us the dedication his journalists had to put in and what it requires to get all of the information to produce a controversial story,” Lauren Wisniewski (11) said.
Throughout the weekend, the students listened to many different speakers who helped them grow both journalistically and personally.
“Throughout my Publications career I have been to almost every convention, but this one especially taught me more life skills and journalism skills than any other one I have attended. I had the opportunity to attend sessions ranging from female journalist empowerment to leadership. These conventions not only help me to grow as a designer on my staff, but also as a person. I’m so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to attend conventions like these throughout my time on staff,” Victoria Wilkes (12) said.
The Scout magazine was entered into a contest which won seventh place and best of show.
“I’m really proud that the first issue won seventh place and best of show in the nation. Out of all the schools that submitted work to be named one of the top ten in the nation is just amazing. I think the first issue of Scout looked really sharp, and everyone worked really hard. It was the first issue of the year, so it was awesome it ranked so high,” Ms. Carrie Wadycki, Art, said.
