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The Convention
Features
November 18, 2011
Journalism students travel to Minneapolis for convention Scott Bakal ers at the convention.
Whenever thousands of students from across the country are rounded up for a Journalism convention, the goal is to improve the work of students and staff. Some of the most accomplished teachers are sharing their experiences and knowledge. This knowledge is a complete waste unless it is applied to students work when they get home. The ways to improve are endless. It is nearly impossible to leave the National High School Journalism Convention (NHSJC) without improving writing, photography, headline writing, or the chemistry of a staff. The staff improvement seems to be noticed more in the weeks following the convention. John Hersey High School students apply the information given to them at NHSJC in many ways. “We are able to go to sessions that can better our staff and give students ideas for new stories and graphics that we can include in our publication,” junior Ashley Hawkins said. Hersey students will be planning on meeting up after sessions, to discuss ideas for upcoming issues, after being inspired by speak-
“We plan on taking all of the information and finding a way to express it, and brainstorm with the staff new ideas with what we have learned,” junior Nick Diaz said. One of the big events at the convention is the competition between schools. Students can join one of many competitions between photos, writing, graphics, and layouts. Afterwards, they are critiqued by judges, and can win awards. “I’m a little nervous, I’ve been poking through the AP style book all day, but I don’t really know what to expect,” senior Becky Pawls said. Students, who wish to pursue the journalism career, may find themselves in big cities. Since the convention is taking place at Minneapolis, students will find themselves in an environment where
they need to take care of themselves. “Since we have a whole weekend together, we get to know each others abilities and strengths and weaknesses just by spending time with each other. Even though it is on a personal level, it helps for when we get back to Arlington Heights and start working together again, not only as a staff, but also as friends. Then everyone becomes more understanding of each other, and magically seems to have more patience, ” senior Lauren Kelly said. While students are enjoying themselves out in the city, ther are also diving into a journalistic experience where students learn priceless information and share memories that will last forever.
What were you expecting for the convention? “I didn’t really know what to expect. I was excited to come to a place with other journalists; I was eager to learn more about improving our newspaper.” -Senior Madeline Webber
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tudents had time to bond with classmates in the Hiton Hotel. The hotel was connected to the convention center, so it was a warm walk for studnets.
•All photos by Maxwell Bestvina
•Maxwell Bestvina
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wall at the trade show was filled with pictures. Students could draw on the board by their pictures.
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he trade show had a variety of games, prizes, and candy. Schools competed in intense games of Pictionary for pride and prizes.
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tudnets packed into rooms to listen to speakers. Speaker ranged from journalism teachers to professional journalists.
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igh school journalism students from all around the nation congregated to Minneapolis. Cmpetitios, speakers, a trade show, and many other events were held at the convention center.
Huskie Poll:
•Maxwell Bestvina
What What have you aquired the most information from?
0%
Your classmates
0%
Your teacher(s)
50%
The key notes
50%
The sessions
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tudents had the chance to meet new friend from all over the nation. •Maxwell Bestvina
•2 students polled
“[I was expecting] a lot of high school newspaper students and proffesional writers getting together to share ideas. Basically, I envisioned a lot of journalistic enties in the area.” -Sophomore Michael Miller