In April, four journalism students traveled to Austin to participate in the two-day Interscholastic League Press Conference. The conference is an opportunity for journalism staffs to learn tips and tricks on how to improve their yearbooks, newspapers, online newspapers and so much more.
“I took some classes on managing staffs and creative yearbook ideas,” advisor Melonie Menefee said. “I learned some things we can do to make editing more easier and more efficient. I also have some great ideas for the next yearbook.”
The students chose six classes to attend. The classes ranged from photography classes to lessons on how to become a better writer.
“Since I am applying for an editor position, I tried to go to as many editor classes as I could,” junior Lilah Adams said. “I found some new strategies that I could use for next year.”
This was the first time that these students had attended an ILPC convention. The staff hasn’t been able to go for a few years due to conflicts with prom and other events. The students were excited about what they had learned and discussed the ideas that they wanted to try before even making it home.
“My favorite thing about ILPC was getting to learn more about journalism,” junior Nadia Garcia said. “It was such a great experience, and I learned several things. My favorite class was the one with Bobby Hawthorn, because he explained everything so well.”
Each year ILPC has a keynote speaker, and this years speaker was journalist Doualy Xaykaothao from Minnesota Public Radio.
“I’ve been following Doualy Xaykaothao’s work for a long while now,” Freshman Colby Menefee said. “She mainly covers stories about race and culture, and has been around the world reporting on topics such as protests in South Korea and earthquakes in Japan. I’m a big fan of her work and I’m glad that I was able to get the chance to listen to her inspirational stories.”
Each year the judges for the Tops in Texas give out awards in many categories. Many of the staff members won awards in different categories. The awards ranged from first to third and a few people got honorable mentions.
“I’m always proud of our awards,” advisor Melonie Menefee said. “Our one staff does both publications, and we always brings home awards. Of course I always want to see us improve, so I’m excited to try some of the new things we learned about next year.”
