WSPN (Wayland Student Press Network) is hoping to bring all interested reporters, editors, and students affiliated with the network to this year’s National High School Journalism Convention. Hosted by JEA (Journalism Education Association) and NSPA (National Scholastic Press Association), the convention will take place on April 16th to 19th in Phoenix, Arizona.

The largest challenge WSPN faces is funding the trip. Taking into account airfare, lodging, food, and other convention fees, the trip will cost nearly $1000 per student. For this reason, WSPN is launching an aggressive fundraising enterprise. WSPN is currently selling prime-location advertising space on the website ranging from monthly subscriptions for about $200 to $400, to daily “shout outs,” birthday wishes, or other messages for $5.

The three-day long conference attracts high school students from over 38 states. Last year, out of 4478 entrants, WSPN was selected as the winner of the “Online Pacemaker” category—a huge honor especially since it was the first year of the network’s incarnation. The judges evaluated “Pacemakers” on the following guidelines: “coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership on the opinion page, evidence of in-depth reporting, design, photography, art and graphics.” The conference also serves as an intensive workshop for participants.

The upcoming convention will feature numerous high-profile journalists, writers, and editors as keynote speakers. In addition, participants have the opportunity to attend more than 200 learning sessions covering topics such as broadcasting, newspaper publication and writing, yearbook production, advising, and more. Also, there will be numerous on-site writing competitions and critique sessions.

The primary purpose for WSPN members attending the convention is to continue providing a high quality product to the Wayland student body and community. When asked about the convention, adviser Mary Barber said, “We hope that all the students involved with WSPN will be able to come with us to Phoenix. They will gain invaluable experience by participating in writing workshops, listening to speakers, and mingling and interacting with other like-minded students.”

Those interested in investing in WSPN’s future are asked to send a donation or become a sponsor by visiting https://waylandstudentpress.com/sponsor/.