November 6-10, some of the staff of the Bishop Gorman Lance received journalism, yearbook, and broadcasting advice from some of the best in the industry at the 2024 National High School Journalism Convention hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The team had the opportunity to do some sight seeing around Philly: the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the foundation of the first White House, JFK Plaza/Love Park, and the iconic Rocky Balboa statue. With endless Philly cheesesteaks, iconic statues, historical buildings, and the best advice for their passions, the trip was truly unforgettable.
Thursday, Nov. 7, the Lance staff started the day off with seeing the Liberty Bell, as well as learning the fascinating history about the popularity of an old cracked bell.
They were next taken to see Independence Hall where the founding fathers of the United States signed the Declaration of Independence.
Lastly, they took photos at the JFK Plaza next to the infamous “LOVE” sign and next to the autumnal leaves that are rare to find in dry Las Vegas.
To really embrace the Philadelphia culture, they went to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch, where some of the staff decided to try George’s Philly Cheesesteaks.
Then it was time to head back to the hotel and prepare for the conference ahead.
To kick off the conference, they attended the opening ceremony that night, walking around to different booths full of colleges known for their journalism and broadcasting programs such as Arizona State University, Colorado Boulder University, Syracuse University, Penn State, and Elon University.
It wasn’t just a college fair for journalists. The conference got the young journalists excited for the sessions ahead by having fun games, amazing merchandise, and contests to win free prizes ranging from a sticker to a Stanley to a Canon camera.
Additionally, the opening ceremony included guest speaker varying from the media industry explaining their careers as well as giving advice to the future Pulitzer Prize winners in the room.
Friday, Nov. 8, the students and teachers split up to attend different meetings and learned about potential future career paths as well as guidance for the skills needed to be a good reporter. “The most valuable thing I learned is that as a writer you can’t hold yourself back just because someone says no, you have to push the limits because that’s your job,” said Hailey Stiegler ‘26.
Some of the sessions of this day included Pop Culture Connections, Writing a Better Broadcast Package, and Sideline to Headline. College professors, news station producers, anchors, professional, and student journalists all spoke during these meetings. Teaching students from all over the world about what it takes to be a true journalist. In fact, well-rounded and successful news station, NBC, had two of their journalists come to speak about succeeding as a multimedia journalist representing NBCU Academy.
Saturday, Nov. 9, the conference continued as the Gaels attended morning sessions taking notes on the different aspects of the journalism world.
They were also taken to see the iconic Philadelphia statue of Rocky Balboa. Everyone ran up the stairs throwing their hands in the air just as Rocky did in 1976 movie Rocky. Merchandise was bought and photos were taken next to the dedicated statue by the stairs.
To conclude the trip, the staff went to Iron Hill Brewery for dinner, laughing over the memories made and the unforgettable friendships formed on this trip.
When reflecting on the outstanding trip students’ key memory was being able to meet new people and see different perspectives. “I was able to make new friends from all over the world … and it was really fun,” explained Isabella Oh ‘26. Schools from all 50 states and from seven countries came to this conference, and some of the staff even got to talk with some students from London on the last night of the conference.
When it was time to leave on Sunday, the staff traveled home with a unique experience, ready to improve the Lance upon their arrival back at school the next day. Grabbing a cheesesteak and some merchandise at the airport, the staff reluctantly wrapped up their trip, not ready for the fun to be over.
The conference allowed the staff to learn more about how they can grow as a team, individual journalists, and as a paper. Growing in their friendships and bonds will help them work more cohesively and a staff and overall improve the paper.
