On Nov. 1, Pembroke Pines Charter High School’s CHAT Newspaper staff attended the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) in NOVA Southeastern University (NSU), where they hosted their annual fall convention. The day was spent surrounded by hundreds of student journalists, advisors, and professionals from District Seven for a day of learning, networking, and recognition.
The convention began with District Seven Director Kara Mullins, who introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Sean Pitts. Pitts is the Director of Photography at the South Florida Sun Sentinel, where he oversees all photo and video operations of the newspaper.
After years of experience, Pitts specializes in drone photography/videography and livestreaming to enhance all news coverage offered by the Orlando Sentinel. Through his advancements in visual technology, he shared his two important tips.
First, he reminded students to “be interested and deliberately schedule time to learn” and encouraged student journalists to “challenge [themselves] and do something out of [their] ordinary”, two simple statements that resonated with the many emerging journalists sitting in the audience. Amidst an ever-changing society and a digitally enhancing world, it is important to continue finding space to learn and to grow as individuals.
After the opening ceremony, students began their walk to numerous sessions ranging from yearbook to digital publications and hosted by both adults and high school students. Through these 50-minute sessions, students and advisors had the opportunity to network and share their knowledge with those attending. Speakers offered many tips regarding leading a newsroom, writing effective leads, or simply photography tips.
To many, these workshops are the biggest takeaway from these events, as they allow students to “become curious about more things. One of the sessions I attended in last year’s fall convention was Photography Tips 101, and that session alone was what drove me to become the photographer I am now,” shares CHAT Digital Editor-In-Chief and senior Evan Omana.
Not only was FSPA able to leave a lasting impression on Charter seniors, but it has also opened a new path of curiosity for those attending for the first time. Although very new, “it felt like a step into the real world, especially listening to sessions and seeing how people get rewards that can genuinely go far in life,” expresses junior CHAT staff writer Gabriella Godoy. Through the guest speakers, sessions, and award ceremonies, aspiring journalists got a real feel for what it takes to be part of this profession.
Not only does FSPA equip students with the tools for a successful career path, but it also recognizes and honors the work that has been completed by students in their own publications. Charter’s very own Alumni Editor Abigail Wheeler placed an All-Florida in feature writing, which she described as making her feel “baffled, elated, and quite relieved. I didn’t expect to win such an honorable award. I have been working really hard and going through a lot, and I’m happy to see that my work actually has an impact.”
The awards continued for Charter’s talented staff with the digital class winning over 15 awards in categories including student life, photography, hype videos, and even a “meet the admin” post.
“It feels amazing seeing how we got the recognition these guys deserve and seeing our hard work become acknowledged,” Omana enthusiastically states.
Between both the content and digital classes, numerous hours of writing, recording content, and editing have been spent on the final projects. Now, these are the submissions that are being recognized as the best in the state.
Pines Charter’s newspaper has become recognized state-wide, and staffers only wish to continue this tradition by running for the position of district representative, offered only to juniors. Student Life Editor Adia Smith, Sports Editor Daisy Ferguson, and Opinions Editor Lorraine Figueroa have campaigned for the position and hope to continue their journey further as part of the FSPA board.
With new and embracing journeys also comes the end of some for the seniors part of the CHAT newspaper. After several years of attending FSPA’s annual convention, this becomes one of the many lasts that seniors will experience. Although a bittersweet feeling, every year has become a growing milestone.
Even if at first everything seemed intimidating, “now I look back at it and laugh at myself. The one thing that helped me change my mindset as a journalist was to get inspired by my neighboring schools and not see them as my enemy,” shares senior and CHAT Editor-In-Chief Julianna Perez. It’s a unique opportunity to be so close to schools from all over the district that share the same unwavering passion for journalism.
This year’s fall FSPA convention has not only gifted students and advisors with new visions and fresh ideas, but also created an even bigger community for those who wish to improve their publications. As Charter’s CHAT team takes home these wins and fruitful knowledge, they are only further motivated to see what they can accomplish together next spring.
