By: Alannah Sarclete
Carlyle High School student journalists attended the Southern Illinois School Press
Association, S.I.S.P.A., 74th Annual Winter Conference at Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale, SIUC, on Feb. 26.
Kyle Carter, a former Sports Illustrated journalist and journalism teacher gave the
keynote address entitled “What You Do Matters”. He talked about his yearbook program and
how his staff helped get the U.S.A. women’s sled hockey team fully funded during their
coverage in one weekend. Carter also encouraged students to find their “Why”.
Since this year's conference theme was Visual Voices, Carter showed images that his
student journalists showcased in their feature story about the national team and their lack of
funding. These images and the story led to Carter receiving a presidential phone call at school to
congratulate him and his staff.
At the SISPA conference, students also learned tips from professionals, practiced for
upcoming IHSA events, and met with other student journalists from across the state.
“This allows us to assess which students should compete in the IHSA competition in the
spring,” said yearbook adviser and SISPA co-director Gina Shook.
Schools can enter two students per event at S.I.S.P.A. and only one student per event in
the IHSA. Journalism Competition, which will be held later this spring.
Five students placed in competitions at the event. Grace Edler placed first in Copy
Editing. Jacob Ruscher placed second in Yearbook Sports Copy Block. Lera Schmeink placed
third in News Writing. Landry Steinkamp placed third in Best Story Feature Photo. Maggie Bass placed third in Newspaper Feature Writing.