Spartan Spin was invited on a trip to experience the Journalism Education Association (JEA)/National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) National High School Journalism Convention from Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 located in Boston, MA. Students were informed of this conference May 9, via Google classroom.
The conference took place inside of the Sheraton Hotel where Spartan Spin students stayed. Every student was required to attend at least three sessions a day, on Friday and Saturday. Sessions consisted of anything from journalism and yearbook layouts, to how to create videos that can be posted on sites such as TikTok and Instagram.
During the sessions, a trade show was also going on. The trade show included many colleges and some companies like Jostens Yearbook and Cady Studios, a photography company.
Senior Lily Holmquist attended multiple sessions, such as one’s surrounding the topic of interviewing and classroom leadership.
“I learned things like how to bring people together using journalism, and how to write interview questions that further a conversation. I learned the way an interview goes can help with getting more information,” Holmquist said.
Sessions lasted until 4 p.m., giving students free time until door check at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, during these free times, students were given the opportunity to participate in either a tour of Harvard, to explore Quincy Market, or explore with a buddy. Those who didn’t stayed back at the hotel.
A majority of students participated in the tour of Harvard, including Junior Belle Modeen. Students hadn’t expected the size of the campus to be as large as it was while taking part in the tour. The tour was led by Benjamin Hintzman, younger brother of Spartan Spin advisor Elise Hintzman.
“It was kind of like Hogwarts, it was really big,” said Modeen.
Modeen had been waiting a long time to get the experience of exploring Harvard.
Junior Cassidy Remington-Willis spent her free time exploring Quincy Market. Although expensive, it was an enjoyable experience for Remington-Willis.
“Bring so much money, where you think it’s a ridiculous amount,” said Remington-Willis.
According to Remington-Willis, things were much more expensive in Boston. Many other students felt that way as well. In the end, students spent upwards of $200, not only on food, but on many different souvenirs.
Students left the Sheraton at 3 a.m. on the final day of the trip, Sunday, Nov. 5, to travel to the Boston airport. A coach bus filled with the students arrived right on time in Superior, at 11 a.m., bringing the students some much needed relaxation after the trip.
