This article was written by Carrie Kuecks, class of 2019.
From experienced guest speakers to fascinating workshops, the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) District 7 convention developed lasting impressions on student journalists. This year’s convention theme was “Your Story,” to emphasize that through reporting and interviewing, journalists will learn stories that are life changing and become a part of the journalists’ stories as well.
The annual District 7 convention, which encompasses Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties, took place at the Nova Southeastern University, Oct. 22. Opening ceremonies included guest speaker Hunter Franqui who has won Best Writer and a Creativity Scholarship. Franqui is currently a Segment Host on the cooking television show, “SoFlo TASTE” on WPLG Channel 10, where he tries and reviews foods in South Florida. In addition, he is is a member of the Live Productions for the Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins. Franqui tied his speech to the convention’s theme by discussing his life story and his experiences in the journalism career.
This year’s convention had a wide variety of competitions to enter. There were contests to enter before the convention and On the Spot (OTS) competitions which took place during the convention. The contests were intense and competitive. Topics for the OTS competitions are not given to students until the day of the convention. Heritage received many awards at the convention including:
Heritage’s Yearbook, Spotlight
1st Place Deadline Module: Emily Irigoyen and Dalya Ackerman
2nd Place Candid Photo: Antonella Colon
Honorable Mention OTS Action Photo: Ana Escalante
Heritage’s online newspaper, ipatriotpost.com
1st Place Deadline Web Coverage: Vanessa Ryals and Asa Zaretsky
1st Place Publication Home Page: Vanessa Ryals
Heritage’s print newspaper, The Patriot Post
2nd Place Computer-Drawn Illustration: Asa Zaretsky
2nd Place OTS 100 Word Photo Story: Lauren Quintela
2nd Place News Writing: Zihan Kabir
2nd Place OTS Personality Photo: Carrie Kuecks
3rd Place Doubletruck: Elysa Goldberg
3rd Place OTS Entertainment Writing: Conner McLeod
3rd Place OTS Creative Writing: Lauren Hutton
3rd Place OTS Infographics: Katie Quesada
Honorable Mention OTS Editorial Writing: Andrew Kolondra
Honorable Mention OTS Infographics: Amanda Wasserman
Heritage’s broadcast news show, WAHS News
1st Place Student Leader Profile: Sophia Donskoi
1st Place Deadline Broadcast Commentary: Adrianne Morales, Alec Studnik and Elysa Goldberg
1st Place Weather Photo: Jianhao An (Andy)
1st Place Reality Show Pitch: Bailey Braeseke, Gianna Sanchez and Landon Lupo
2nd Place Student Leader Profile: Sofia Osio, Noah Brunner and Maggie Oriol
3rd Place Reality Show Pitch: Jack Kleinstein and Alec Studnik
3rd Place Student Profile: Gianna Sanchez and Sophia Donskoi
2nd Place OTS Illustration: Astrid Maldonado
3rd Place OTS Live to Tape: Noah Brunner and Sophia Donskoi
3rd Place OTS Broadcast Commentary: Alec Studnik, Theodore Rackauskas and Ruhi Mansey
Honorable mention Creative Writing: Alycia Cypress
The convention was learning experience for many student journalists. To learn more about FSPA, click here: http://www.fspadistrict7.com
