Embedded Files
ALL OF MY STORIES CAN BE FOUND HERE
Note: You will notice that the majority of my written work featured in this section is from last year. This is because I spent first semester working on four major news packages, featuring both a film and written element. These multimedia projects can be viewed here!
Dukes ranked number one in MaxPreps 2022 fall athletic rankings
Published: 03/22/22
This was the first article I had ever written to be published on This is York. I worked with a senior on the story but did most of the interviews and writing. I remember being so excited about the story because I got to interview a lot of upperclassman (a very cool opportunity in the eyes of freshman Kate).
Members of the girls wrestling team develop confidence throughout their inaugural season
Published: 02/11/25
While this is a "sports story," I view it as more of a feature piece. The article highlights the members of the girls wrestling program and how they have developed new skills over the past season.
The brand new team had a strong first season. Not only did they have a strong team record, but the establishment of the program enabled female athlete to step out of their comfort zones, try something new, and develop skills that they can apply beyond the mat. Safe to say, I developed a whole new level of respect for female wrestlers after writing this story.
News
York Drama sheds light on the importance of innovation
Published: 01/30/24
This news story informs readers of the message within the school's winter production. This article was published a couple days after the show's closing night, making it a news piece with the intention to inform as well as a feature piece with an aim to analyze. By writing this story, I was able to highlight the message of innovation present throughout the show, while also bringing attention to the creative nature of bringing this world to life on stage.
My nut graf featured a brief summary of the show, and throughout the article, the reader is able to make a correlation between the thematic elements of the play and the lessons students learned by creating their characters.
District wide initiatives put mental health first
Published: 12/08/23
This story is one of my favorite stories I have written. Interviewing these administrators is what sparked my interest in policy, a passion I hope to pursue through journalism post high school.
I found out about the mental health CARES grant from a district wide press release. Afterwards I reached out to the Kevin Rubenstein, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services to find out what went in to forming this policy at the state level and how it was planning to be administered in the district. From there, I spoke to teachers, counselors, and social workers at school to see how they hoped this would support students long term.
The article was later published in the physical community newsletter, reaching 40,000 readers across the school district.
Features
Students spend their summer exploring opportunities in higher education
Published: 09/23/24
This story was the first story I wrote this school year. As many of my peers were talking about applying to colleges, they mentioned different summer programs they had partciapted in over the years. I wanted to learn more about why students chose these summer programs, what they gained from the experience, and if they felt it was worthwhile.
I discovered there were many different types of summer programs people can do, with ranging price tags and prestige. It was interesting to learn about how different people sent their summer and share advice from students and the college counselor.
Administration works hard to make sure that community members feel represented in procedure making
Published:
This article was published in the spring magazine in response to the number of changes that resulted from new administration at the start of last year. The article analyzes the step-by-step process of policy and procedure making. I found this topic really interesting and appreciated the opportunity to interview faculty across the district.
Throughout the story, I utilized quotes, data, and outside research to inform members of the community on the procedure making process.
Profiles
Josè Rivera breaks down barriers at Fine Arts Week
Published: 04/19/24
Every year our school hosts a Fine Arts Week, which is essentially a talent show that spans an entire week. In addition to students showcasing their individual talents, there are also performances from the various performing arts classes. Last year, Pepe stood out as an individual performer who was the first English Learner student to ever perform in the showcase.
I have been working with the English Learners population as teaching assistant in EL classes for a number of years. While I hadn't known Pepe personally prior to his performance, I was immediately curious about how he started rapping. I was excited to share not only Pepeś musical journey, but his experience as an immigrant and the support he received from the EL department along the way. It was so much fun to tell his story and he was so excited to be a part of it.
The article was originally published in the spring magazine but was translated to spanish for the digital version.
Justin Sata strives for success in the arena and beyond
Published: 02/29/24
It was a Friday night at the start of February and I was taking pictures at the varsity hockey game. I was sitting on the bench during warm ups when the team equipment manager started a conversation with me. He was telling me about how he was a freshman and he has been an equipment manager for the Chicago Wolves AHL team for a number of years. When he started at York, he offered up his skills to the York team. I immediately knew his story was worth telling.
Justin Sata has always loved sports, but having been born with Achondroplasia and a spinal condition that makes him more susceptible to being paralyzed, he was limited as an athlete. However, this didn't stop him from getting involved with sports in any way he could.
After the article was published, a representative from Little People of America reached out and asked if they could rework the story to be published in the magazine publication LPA Today. The magazine was distributed in December of that year to over 7,000 LPA members throughout the country.
Sports
The football team is motivated by camaraderie and community
Published: 12/18/24
This sports feature detailed the York Football Program's successful playoff run, making it to the state championship for the first time in school history. This article was the cover story for our Semester 1 magazine.
This was a really fun story to write, as I have been on the field for every home game (and most away games) taking photos of this team sinse my sophomore year. However, this was the first time I got to write about the team and interview the players I had been informally interacting with over the years.
Before the state game, I was also contacted to work on an article for our local magazine, Cottage Hill. Here is the article I wrote for their issue that was published on 02/14/25. The magazine was distributed to 14,000 homes across Elmhurst.
The dance team is working to create a legacy
Published: 02/09/24
This sports feature aimed to highlight the competitive dance team and all the work that goes in to dancing on the York High School team. With strict skill requirements and high expectations for technique, it is no surprise that girls start preparing to be on this team years in advance.
I wrote the story following the team's success in making it to day two of state. When I first heard about it, my mind immediately went to my middle school friends who were now on the varsity poms team. I remember one of the biggest topics of conversation, starting in sixth grade, was getting their side ariel and right split in time for auditions. I wanted to get to the root of how the team was able to establish presence in the youth dance community and then use their strong reputation to build a championship team.
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