Students from Montoursville traveled to the Pennsylvania School Press Association state competition on March 16 held at Penn State University, where they put their journalism skills to the test, celebrated student success and made memories together along the way.
For many students, the event was more than a competition. It was a chance to experience journalism in a more realistic setting while growing closer as a team.
Junior Catherine Hittle said the state competition felt more challenging than the first round because students had to rely more on their own judgment.
“I think I did okay. I definitely didn’t do as good as I did at the first-level competition, because it’s a lot easier to write a story when you’re given the reporter’s notes,” said Hittle.
At states, Hittle said, students had to listen to an entire press conference and decide for themselves what details mattered most.
“It’s a lot more realistic,” Hittle said. “If you’re writing a journalism story, and you go to a press conference and you’re writing a story about the press conference, that’s what you’re going to have to be assigned to write.”
Sophomore Sophia Perez, who competed in photography, said it was her first time attending states and that she was surprised when she learned she had qualified.
“I was honestly really shocked. I didn’t expect it. I didn’t think my photos were that good,” said Perez.
Perez said she was excited to visit Penn State University, where she hopes to attend after high school, but she also felt nervous about photographing the event.
“I was kind of nervous going up and taking photos. Especially because it was my first time. I didn’t know if I would be judged,” said Perez
As the day went on, however, Perez said that confidence began to grow.
“Everyone was doing their own thing and I slowly started building that confidence to take photos,” Perez said.
Sophomore Ali Chapman, who competed in editorial cartoon, also said she was surprised to qualify for the state competition.
“When I first found out about going to states, I honestly never expected to be able to go. I honestly thought I didn’t do that good,” said Chapman.
Chapman said qualifying felt like an important step forward in both art and journalism.
“I was really surprised. I was really excited that I got into states because I thought that was a step forward for me,” Chapman said.
Chapman said she would definitely attend again, even though the day was long.
“It was really tiring, but it was really fun because honestly, it brought me closer together with more people from my journalism class,” Chapman said.
For senior Ali Ravert, the day brought an unexpected honor when she placed at the top of her category, editorial writing.
“I laughed, because I was not expecting it. I wrote about bathrooms, and I thought that my humor was too strong for my editorial,” said Ravert.
Ravert said the actual competition wasn’t stressful at all.
“It was a long day, but I didn’t expect to win, so I really didn’t put that much pressure on myself,” Ravert said.
Senior Lillian McCulloch said one of the best parts of the trip was simply being with friends and enjoying the experience together.
“It was really great. I had a good time hanging out with friends and laughing, and obviously, one of my best friends won, so that was pretty awesome,” said McCulloch.
McCulloch also said she enjoyed the social side of journalism.
“I like interviewing people, and I like talking to people, so that was fun,” McCulloch said. “Meeting new people, seeing old friends, and just laughing and having a good time.”
Journalism adviser Mrs. Sandra Trick said the event continues to improve each year and that this year’s location worked especially well.
“I feel like PSPA improves every year,” Trick said. “This year, there was a change in location. Previously, it was at the HUB, on campus, and this year, it was at the Nittany Lion Inn. I feel as though the space really worked well for what we needed.”
Trick said one of the most rewarding parts of the trip is seeing students use the skills they have developed in class.
“It’s always fun to see my students using the skills that I taught them, and it’s even better to see them succeed,” Trick said.
One of Trick’s biggest highlights of the day was hearing Ravert’s name announced.
“I was so over-the-top happy for her. Ali’s a fantastic writer. And it was wonderful to see her get recognized for that talent,” said Trick.
Beyond the competition itself, students said some of their favorite memories came from spending time together. Students mentioned walking around campus, visiting a toy store, stopping at Raising Cane’s and laughing together throughout the day, even while dealing with rainy weather and news of a tornado warning back home.
For the students who attended, PSPA states was about more than awards. It was a chance to build confidence, sharpen their skills and see what journalism looks like outside the classroom.
Featured photo (at top): Arrowhead members pose for a photo by the Nittany lion statue before heading home. The Arrowhead started attending the PSPA competition during Arrowhead adviser Mrs. Trick’s second year at Montoursville. Photo from Lillian McCulloch
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