This past weekend, a group of Wildcat Chronicle students joined thousands of young journalists at the JEA National High School Convention in Philadelphia, gaining hands-on experience and bringing home national accolades.

Out of 1,326 competitors, four Chronicle students earned honors in the prestigious National Student Media Contest. Junior Aly Dusing received an Excellent rating in Newswriting, excelling in one of the convention’s most competitive categories. Juniors Sami Moesch and seniors Alex Rocha and Mariah Varnado earned Honorable Mentions in Feature Writing, First-Year Photo, and Themed Photo, respectively. Their achievements speak to the quality and dedication these students bring to their work in student journalism.

In addition to the competition, the students attended sessions and workshops led by renowned advisers and industry professionals, learning from some of the best in the field. Thanks to a grant from the Education Foundation, they also had the unique opportunity to tour PhillyCam, a community media center. At PhillyCam, they explored cutting-edge equipment, learned about community broadcasting, and experienced the workings of a professional media environment.

The trip offered cultural immersion, too. The students embarked on a local food tour, sampling Philadelphia’s iconic cheesesteaks and sweet treats from Reading Terminal Market. They even tested their teamwork at Gotham Escape Rooms, tackling the “Ultimate Heist” challenge—a fun and collaborative activity that added a lighthearted close to a weekend filled with learning and exploration.

As they return to the Chronicle, these students are excited to apply their expanded skills and insights, continuing to develop their voices and storytelling abilities within West Chicago Community High School.