After months of preparing for the fall FSPA convention this past Saturday, November 2nd, the CHAT Newspaper has continued establishing their name as an accomplished publication.
As staff members from The CHAT arrived at NOVA Southeastern University (NOVA), they were met with journalists from all over District 7 ranging from online, broadcast, video, and many more. Immediate chatter arose and recognition from newspapers that have made an impact in the community as a whole. Walking into the large auditorium, all kinds of journalists along with their advisors took a seat and prepared themselves for the opening of this grand event.
Following the FSPA District 7 Director, Kara Mullins, introductory speech, she announced the three candidates who would be sharing their speeches in front of the entire audience as candidates running to be District 7 representatives. For the very first time in PPCHS history, Julianna Perez, Amaya Jorge, and Janeyliz Baez, all juniors from Pembroke Pines Charter, stood on the podium one after the other. Delivering speeches that evoked motivation, inspiration, and representation for all the young voices that aspire to become the future leaders of the journalism industry.
Junior Digital Co-Managing Editor and District 7 candidate Amaya Jorge explains, “Applying to be a representative was something that I really wanted to do and I’m happy I got out of my comfort zone to do it. I think it’s great that our school will end up representing for the first time, especially since it’s an amazing opportunity for the student who gets the position!”
Once all the speakers finished their speeches, cheers resonated throughout the lively room, cameras flashed in all directions, and video journalists positioned themselves at just the right angle in front of the stage to ensure they captured the perfect angles. Now it was time for the Keynote speaker, Laurie Jennings, to make her appearance on stage and share her highlights as an established news reporter and anchor who is also a six-time Emmy Award winner.
Her powerful voice invoked a sense of passion in all individuals who were seated before her, as she reminded everyone what it takes to be a journalist. The importance of finding stories that people will care about and find an emotional connection with. As she walked back and forth on stage, emphasizing her words, and making eye contact with the young people she hopes will be the future, she was able to inspire the next generation of journalists, filmmakers, and media specialists.
Promptly following the impactful, firsthand speeches, everyone rose to their feet and with the workshop program in hand, beginning their walk to the Carl DeSantis building in which classrooms would be ready to present their workshops. Ranging from how to make your own podcast, to how to better short films and 101 yearbook tips, to how to build a community in your newsroom, there was a workshop available for all types of journalists. After workshop rotations, everyone had the opportunity to attend, take notes, and ask questions in three different workshops.
Arts and Entertainment Editor, Eri Fatimilehin, shares “I learned how to communicate effectively with the staff around me, and how to make a comfortable environment where we can all work together smoothly and efficiently. These sessions were very informative, and I know I will be using these ideas in our newsroom.”
Jose Otero, an FSPA presenter at the editor roundtable, emphasized the key advice he would give to young journalists: “Always tell the truth and let the reader form their own opinion.” The foundation of journalism truly stands on never losing the ethics needed for this career and covering stories by simply telling the truth.
Gathered once again in the large NOVA auditorium, the room buzzed with anticipation as the winners of the on-the-spot contests along with the digital contests would be announced. The Pines Charter team gathered together clasping hands, preparing cameras to record, and slowly rising from their chairs in pure excitement for the names that would be revealed in the upcoming slides.
As familiar names of the CHAT staff glowed from the screen, Charter students rose fully from their seats, jumping up and down, hugging and high fiving the winners in prideful glee. PPCHS was able to take home several awards for multiple categories and most incredibly two All-Florida’s which are the best of the state!
Junior Jagwire Host and winner of the two All-Florida’s, Emmanuel Baptiste enthusiastically exclaims, “First of all, it was really relieving to see so many journalists and like-minded students come together. I loved the atmosphere and how driven and dedicated everyone was. It was also very refreshing to see all my hard work and dedication within these first few months come true. I couldn’t be happier, not only for myself, but for the whole publication!”
Senior Editor-In-Chief Alexia Rivera shares similar feelings of accomplishment as she happily shares, “I was so incredibly proud! There was no doubt in my mind that with all this talent we were going to win these awards. As a leader, it is so fulfilling to see everyone grow into amazing young journalists. All this payoff is not just the team we have now, but also the years of growth and learning we’ve had in the CHAT to get to this point.”
Exiting the NOVA campus with prideful smiles and certificates in hand, the CHAT Newspaper was able to take home several wins thanks to their hard work and dedication. As they continue working diligently and passionately, the content and digital staff are eager to see what they can accomplish at the Spring FSPA in April 2025. But for now, the CHAT will continue shaping stories for their community!
