The Paw Print

By: Alexa Gola

After placing in the top three of their categories at sectionals, members of the Paw Print advanced to compete in the IHSA State Journalism Final in Normal, Illinois on April 26.

Sophomores Saron Alem, Camila Alvarado, Alexa Gola and Palmer Norman along with junior Maddie Spanbauer spent the day in Normal for the event. They traveled alongside Paw Print advisor Ms. Vargas and her father, who acted as chaperones.

“I’m really excited to be here,” Alvarado said. She added that she had high hopes for the competition as she waited for her event to begin.

IHSA splits journalism events into two time blocks, allowing some students to compete in multiple categories. During Block A, Alem, Norman and Spanbauer participated in Review Writing, Advertising and News Writing, respectively. 

Upon returning from her event, Spanbauer appeared happy with her article, saying that she felt more confident than she had after sectionals. She also wished Alvarado and Gola good luck as they departed for their Block B events, Editorial Cartooning and Headline Writing. 

When the Paw Print team reconvened at the conclusion of Block B, Gola and Alvarado also appeared to be satisfied with their submissions. Members traded thoughts on their prompts, which included a story about a conservative woman running for office and a headline for an article discussing the creation of a community cookbook.

At the end of the day, Alvarado won 5th place for her editorial cartoon, a fantastic achievement for the Paw Print’s first year competing in IHSA’s journalism program.

“I hope we can come back next year,” Alvarado said.