Ten students from journalism, photojournalism and broadcast classes at McLean High traveled together for a span of four days, Nov. 1 to 4, for the National Scholastic Press Association fall convention taking place in Chicago, Illinois. 

After a one hour and a half plane ride, the students arrived at the windy city with excitement.

Students enriched their journalism experiences in many ways including meeting professional journalists and participating in advisers’ learning sessions.

These young journalists said the convention was a meaningful experience to them and has impacted them positively.

“I learned a lot of things from the convention – satire, how to write jokes, finding a good lead and a lot of stuff,” junior Jackson Clayton said. “I think I had a lot more fun than what I’d expected.”

Besides learning, McLean students enjoyed touring the famous city of Chicago.

“The most memorable thing that happened was probably going to Willis Tower and stepping on the glass and looking down; that was crazy,” Clayton said.

In addition, three students received Superior awards from the write-off contest: junior Dasha Makarishcheva, sophomore Marina Qu and senior Abigail Weber.

“[Chicago] was a pleasant surprise,” Clayton said.