By Yuka Noda
Calendar Editor
The Costa yearbook staff and video production team leaves behind the traditional classroom setting to gain a new perspective in Washington, D.C.
Yearbook and broadcast journalism students are currently attending the National High School Journalism Convention until Sunday in Washington, D.C. to better their journalism techniques and be recognized for their respective achievements.
The semiannual National High School Journalism Convention gives journalism students the opportunity to discover new media styles. It is supported by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association, both of which educate students in journalism.
“I think it’s one of the most beneficial conventions because it gives the students the chance to interact with students across the nation, work with professionals and meet major leaders in journalism,” yearbook advisor Valerie Park said.
Broadcast journalism advisor Michael Hernandez, along with Ladue Horton Watkins High journalism advisor Don Goble, will present a session on the fundamentals of compiling news packages, including the creation of videography, sound recording, editing and story structure.
“The convention will energize students and put into perspective what they have already accomplished and what they can accomplish,” Hernandez said. “They can meet people, get fresh ideas and bond.”
Students will attend various sessions instructed by professional journalists. Over 250 seminars are available.
“I’ll expand my knowledge to help me become a better editor for Hoofprints,” senior Jessica Franco said.
Not only will students be given an opportunity to attend sessions but also to participate in a news package competition in which they will be given an allotted amount of time to come up with a story idea, shoot, edit and present their work.
“I chose to go because I’ll be competing with an opportunity to win awards for the Mustang Morning News and to get recognized on a national level,” junior Miriam Sachs said. “The news package comeptition will be stressful but rewarding.”
The trip’s main objective is to learn new ideas and material. Hernandez also hopes the students will bond with one another.
“It’s one thing to see everyone in class when they’re stressed about work, but it’s another to experience living with them for a week,” Sachs said. “After the convention, instead of seeing them as classmates, maybe we can see each other as friends.”
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