On November 6-10, the Publications and Mass Media class went on an exciting trip to Philadelphia where they went to compete in the National Scholastic Press Association and its partner, Journalism Education Association (NSPA/JEA) Convention which they participate in annually.
This convention was a big event in the world of publication students, where various students from around the world come to compete and learn.
During these conventions, they help students improve their skills in various areas such as writing, yearbook, copyediting, and caption writing for the school yearbook or newspaper.
With the help of their dedicated journalism teacher Beth Brubaker, students had the opportunity not only to attend but also to compete in the convention.
Brubaker was always near her students when they needed her and she was a great source of encouragement for them, always pushing them to try and show them their potential. Her support was clearly shown and felt among her students throughout the entire process.
“Mrs.Brubaker definitely pushed me to do it because she wants us all to try our best,” Adalyn Armstrong-Cattani (10) said.
At the convention, students could create their own schedules by selecting various classes throughout the day which led them to dive deeper into topics that piqued their interests.
This has only empowered students to take control of their learning experiences, but also allowed them to explore new things for creativity and knowledge that they may have not known or that can help them with their future work.
The atmosphere at the convention was amazing. It was filled with the excitement of journalists eager to learn, compete, and share their passions.
Students interacted with industry professionals, creating a sense of community and collaboration. The environment fostered creativity, encouraging attendees to explore new things.
“The atmosphere was amazing. Being around people who had the same interests as you. Everyone seemed excited to be there. It was such a wonderful environment,” Skyler Frey (10) said.
The competition was big, and students prepared hard before the event by looking back at past work and looking at what needs to be improved.
“I went back and looked at the things that I could improve on and all of the things I did well,” Armstrong-Cattani said.
Their hard work paid off, as both Armstrong-Cattani and Frey received a winning award and honorable mention. Their successes serve as a testament to the dedication and effort put forth by the students and Brubaker’s mentorship.
In the coming year, Publications and Mass Media students are already looking forward to their next trip in November of 2025 where they will go to Nashville, Tennessee and compete.
Reflecting on their time in Philadelphia, the students loved it. They got to explore Philadelphia after their competitions.
This experience definitely left a lasting impression on the students involved. From the friendships they made and strengthened through the shared experience to the knowledge gained from the classes, the convention has undoubtedly enriched their educational journey, preparing them for future ventures in the world of journalism and media.
