On Nov. 7, 2024, three members of the Ahlahasa staff, Editor-in-Chief Rosa Corey-Gruenes (12), Carley Ladlie (11), and Evelyn Kopke (10), and one member of Tiger Vision, Claire Ladlie (12),  attended the three-day fall “NSPEA/JEA National Journalism Convention” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

National Journalism Conventions draw attendees from all over the country. While it is a place for programs to submit their publications for prestigious awards, it is also aimed at allowing students a unique way to learn new things and be surrounded by people who share the same passion.

“I love conventions because it’s everybody who is as excited about a really specific thing all in the same place,” advisor Angie Zoller Barker said.

The National Journalism Convention is aimed at creating a collaborative space where programs can find new ways to grow.

Throughout the course of the convention, students get to choose which classes they want to attend, while the advisor attends classes specifically designed for their role.

Staff writer Carley Ladlie explained the intent behind the classes they attended, “[we focused on] how to get more people involved in journalism that normally wouldn’t think that they would like it. There’s actually a lot of things that you can do in our program, it’s pretty cool and you should join.”

Students focused on attending classes aimed at diversity, equity and inclusion with the hopes to create a more inclusive program.

Photographer Evelyn Koepke explained how beneficial the classes were, “I thought it [the convention] was actually very helpful on how to get your staff to be more diverse.”

The Albert Lea High School Publication staff also attended the state convention in September at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. The event took place at the Coffman Memorial Union and the students received the following awards:

Ahlahasa received the 4th Place Best of Show and All-State Bronze Award.

Tiger Yearbook received the 8th Place Best of Show and All-State Bronze Award.

I-Mag staff received the All-State Silver Award recognition.