The wheels of Spokesman

So it has been a while since I have posted anything on here. I apologize. I have been a little busy with competitions, field trips, 3-week issues, grad school and teaching.

So as I sit here thinking back on the last two months of Spokesman, I think about some pretty nice things:

IHSA Competition
16 Spokesman and Lair students competed in the first ever IHSA Sectional (April 22) and State (April 29) competitions this April. It was very exciting and frustrating being part of the "first" of something. However, they did an excellent job. Ten students made it on to State, and three brought home State medals. Many of the students brought home Sectional medals and the group earned a second place at the Sectional tournament. We came in second to the later State Champions, so that made us feel pretty good.

Making Deadlines and writing stories
It turns out that me micromanaging the staff was just what they needed to reach their potential. I think the scheduling this year made it difficult for them to do it all themselves. The stories have been so much better the last two issues. More people are making their deadlines with better information, editors are happy, I am happy, I think we all are happy. We've even received more compliments from readers the last couple of issues. Now that we are organizing next year's staff, I'm going to work hard to keep this momentum going by using what we have learned this year.

NISPA Fieldtrip
We went to NISPA the Friday before State, April 28. It was a pretty good day overall since we brought home another Golden Eagle. I love that getting that first feedback on this year's paper. The kids brought home a few Blue Ribbons and Honorable Mentions too, which is nice for the confidence.

Okay, I think that's a pretty good general catching up. I will try to write more now that the year is coming to a close. Publications night is next week, so maybe I'll gather these entries together for my seniors and write something nice as a cumulative sentiment. Hmmm... we'll see