The Wildcat Chronicle traveled to Kansas City where they competed at both the sectional and national level while attending the Journalism Education Association (JEA) National High School Journalism Convention.

Fourteen journalism students left WEGO school grounds on Tuesday, April 4 to head to Missouri. The students took a minibus that the journalism adviser, Leslie Fireman, drove. The group worked during the bus ride to prepare for the competitions occurring this weekend. Students studied for their competitions, but still had some fun on the road.

“Fireman packed the travel BINGO, which was essentially an ‘I Spy’ to get people looking outside. Mostly everyone participated, individuals had to yell out said subject to claim it in a way. It was honestly really funny and lighthearted,” senior Multimedia Manager Emily Ziajor said.

The Wildcat Chronicle entered numerous contests at JEA on a national level; however, the Illinois High School Sports Association (IHSA) sectionals were simultaneously held (virtually) on April 6 while the Kansas City convention was occurring, so the staffers were busy at work, competing back-to-back.

“IHSA is hosting their journalism sectional competitions on April 6, while we are at the convention, so not only will we be competing at the national competition, but also state sectionals this weekend,” senior Editor-in-Chief Sasha Baumgartner said.

JEA’s convention has breakout sessions for staffers from all varieties of publication areas for students to learn more about different aspects of journalism. For many of those attending, this is the first time they have experienced a student press convention.

“I am excited to attend the convention for the first time. I think it is going to help me in a good way understand what it is to be a little bit under pressure and get me new skills to make my writing better,” senior Features Editor Alexa Morales said.