A group of about 30 Globe writers went to Webster University today for a young journalists convention hosted by School Journalism. Schools from around the St. Louis area attended with their school newspaper staff. Students from Kirkwood, Parkway West, Ladue and many others came to heighten their writing abilities in the field of journalism. They had the opportunity to view keynotes from known authors such as Diana Zoga (KMOV), Mark Reardon (KMOX Radio), Todd Frankel, (STL Post Dispatch) and Howard Balzer (former ESPN Radio Host). Topics varied from the changing world to covering natural disasters. At the end of the convention, students received a keynote speech from Emmy award-winning journalist Elliot Davis from FOX 2 news.

The CHS globe won superior ratings in yearbook, online publication, as well as overall newspaper.

I took to Todd Frankel’s (STL Post Dispatch) keynote on “How to Tell Stories that Don’t Suck”, a guide to making stories more interesting yet still informative. Though he reports for the Post Dispatch, Frankel does not work for any particular ‘beat’, or department. He can cover essentially anything he wants. He talked about how to be a good reporter, you need to be curious and think visually. Journalism isn’t always dry and in black and white, Frankel says. Sometimes, you can use your imagination.

For my second session, I visited Howard Balzer, a former ESPN radio host. After leaving the station two years ago, he has made his way to four different radio stations. He has reported national issues for KSDK as well. As someone who has seen the massive changes from the 50’s until now, he addressed the issues of change, and how to be prepared. He also spoke about the blurred lines between journalism and entertainment. In order to be successful in any field, you must think of change and get ahead. “Always be thinking,” Balzer said. “It’s sometimes underrated, and it shouldn’t be.”

Afterwards, an awards ceremony was held for submissions of Yearbooks, Video Production and Newspaper.

A list of CHS students that received awards include:

The full list of awards standings can be found here. In the end, CHS took home dozens or awards, standing out very well in video production and newspaper sections. The Globe staff looks forward to next year’s convention in which we hope to continue the tradition of good journalism and storytelling.