More than 700 high school students and teachers attended the Nebraska High School Press Association fall convention on Monday, Oct. 17. The annual event is co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
The students and teachers from 48 schools came to campus to spend the day learning about broadcasting, newspapers (online and print), yearbooks, leadership, career exploration and media law. Professionals and educators provided 32 workshop sessions on a variety of topics, including graphic design, writing, editing, photography, video, free press issues, team building, yearbook themes and design and sports reporting and broadcasting.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to learn from a host of talented professionals and educators and apply it to their publications back home,” said Michelle Carr Hassler, NHSPA executive director and assistant professor of journalism. “We were thrilled to have so many students and teachers from a variety of schools -- both large and small – attend this year.”
The theme of the convention was storytelling – and the day began with keynote speaker Erin Grace, a columnist from the Omaha World-Herald, who shared her insights about storytelling with students and teachers. Following Grace’s speech, outstanding student work in broadcasting, newspaper, online and yearbook was recognized during the NHSPA’s Cornhusker Awards competition.
The convention also gave high school students the opportunity to see the CoJMC facilities during a tour led by Courtney Pearson, career development specialist.
The convention is generously supported by these organizations: the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, the Nebraska Press Association Foundation, the Omaha World-Herald and Student Newspapers Online (SNO).
The NHSPA is celebrating its 85th year of providing support for teachers and advisers responsible for high school publications and working to establish standards of excellence for high school journalism. The group is open to all high school instructors of journalism and/or advisers of student publications in the state of Nebraska. For additional information, including how to join, see the NHSPA website: http://www.nhspaonline.org