Friday, October 24, 2008

Catch Convention Highlights Online

We plan for so long, and it passes so quickly.

I’m sure the IHSPA board agrees that there just wasn’t enough quality time to visit with several hundered students and colleagues at the annual convention at Franklin College last week.

Those who were unable to attend are invited to see photos from the event and learn more about a variety of activities including a First Amendment license plate initiative by the Lake Central High School Publication Department. Slide shows, Hoosier Star winners, judge's commentary, Harvey winners and On-Site winners are all featured on the IHSPA Web site so don't miss the opportunity to review these highlights.

Advisers will want to access information about the new Journalism Career Pathway from either the Department of Education or IHSPA Web sites.

We have appreciated e-mail feedback from several people already, but we hope you also will complete an on-line survey. Many of the changes that people liked about this convention were suggestions from last year’s survey.

Mark calendars for the First Amendment Symposium on March 3 at the Indiana Statehouse. In the months between check out possibilities for regional workshops. J-Ideas and IHSPA have tentative plans for another Scholastic Partnership for advisers, administrators and editors in the Fort Wayne area at the end of November. Anyone interested in attending the Fort Wayne seminar or hosting one in another area of the state should contact Warren Watson, J-Ideas Director, (wwatson@bsu.edu) or Diana Hadley (dhadley@franklincollege.edu).

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Preparing For Our "Chelsea" Moment


Chelsea Schneider, 2004 Indiana Student Journalist of the Year, says she can’t wait to come home for her “favorite holiday,” the IHSPA State Convention.

First as a Warren Central High School student, then a Franklin College journalism major/IHSPA assistant, and now as a session leader representing the Arizona Republic, Chelsea represents many who look forward to an annual gathering at Franklin College.
My office is a reflection of Chelsea’s holiday comparison. There are boxes of awards, bags and bag stuffers, table decorations, and lists of things yet to do before everyone converges next week for the 87th annual gathering at Franklin College.

Registrations went over the 500 mark early last week to prove that despite limitations on field trips and finances, advisers still think it’s important to bring students to an event where they can learn new things, share ideas, and celebrate successes.
As I look at the session topics, I wish that I could attend them. I think students will enjoy the leaders and their approach to a variety of journalistic areas and issues, and I think advisers will be energized by several initiatives that will be presented at the adviser business meeting/luncheon.

Must go…things to do…see you soon!


McCain and Obama Photos Available


In addition to the Obama photos available through our IHSPA photo service, Sarah Bumbalough, a junior on the Richmond High School Pierian staff, has sent photos of John McCain and Sarah Palin (see photo above) that she took when McCain announced Palin as his running mate at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Anyone who wants to use them for the price of Sarah’s photo credit (including her staff and school) can contact me.
I hope all staffs will send PDFs of their special election coverage for our Web site and articles about Indiana high school newspaper reporting.