The academic UIL team traveled to Waller on Saturday, Nov. 8, leaving Willis High School at 6 a.m. The journalism team placed first out of 20 schools, beating Caney Creek who is the biggest competitor to Willis journalism.
Journalism coach and UIL coordinator Emily Meachen’s dedication to not only journalism, but also her students, paid off in great ways. Journalism helps students prepare for their future and their love for it continues to grow more and more everyday.
“While I’ve only been to one meet, it has opened my mind to what I could do in the future,” junior Isabella Zavala said. “My sister tells me that if I’m good at journalism, maybe that’s what I should go to college for, and for once, I don’t hate that idea for a major. Journalism for me means to spread information about both big and niche things to the world. This is important to me as someone who loves media and thinks everyone should have the ability to be caught up on whatever pop culture, sports, politics, etc., that they have an interest in.”
The accomplishments these students have won really helps them grow in their confidence.
“Placing in all of them for my first meet of the year was amazing,” junior Ryder Sciba said. “For not doing it for seven months I was shocked. The meets help me prepare for the district meet in the spring. Practice makes perfect and these invitationals are just what the team needs. These accomplishments help members of Wildkat Media earn points toward getting all-state journalism staff. I need 50 points to be recognized, and this first meet gave me 18. This is a huge step and won’t be my only opportunity for points.”
New journalists were a part of the first meet of the season, and although scores weren’t perfect for the first time, there will be much more practice and room to grow.
“My first experience was definitely stressful, but it was also a great day,” sophomore Kaylah Crabdree said. “Meeting people who have been in the yearbook and newspaper for like four years was really nice and helpful. I didn’t place but I don’t feel sad about it. I was just glad I got my first UIL meet over with. Even though I didn’t place, I still had a great time. It was a first for me so hopefully I will improve in later meets since I know what’s going to happen. I definitely feel more comfortable. I didn’t know what was going to happen and how much time we had to write these stories. And how to separate the sections appropriately. But now I know what will happen and I will prepare more efficiently.”
Senior Victoria Medina was announced as the top writer at the meet. Medina has been a member of the journalism team since joining high school. She has big goals for her last year.
“I felt really proud placing in four events at Waller since I have been doing UIL journalism since freshman year,” Medina said. “I did feel kind of disappointed in my performance for headline and feature since that is what I had placed for in district last year. I hope to continue working hard and hopefully placing to be able to go to regionals again this year.”
Other areas of the UIL team worked hard for success at the Waller meet. Several students placed in speaking events: Zoe Mendes placed 2nd in Informative Speaking, Raleigh Smith 6th in Persuasive Speaking and Annabell Smith-Grimm placed 3rd in Poetry. Natalie Maryonne also placed 8th in Social Studies.
“I was shocked not to make it to the finals since I did so well at my first meet of the year,” senior Isaiah Higgins said. “I am still confident in my piece and I know I will do well at the next meet.”
There are many aspects of the UIL experience team members enjoy It takes time to prepare for the competition, but the pay off is high for members who are successful.
“My experience with journalism is just having fun and being able to spend time with the rest of the team,” Medina said. “I really love the creativity that’s involved and seeing what other people write on the same prompts. I also really love the sponsor, Ms. Meachen, since she is one the best journalism teachers ever and she always inspires others to try their hardest.”
Meachen continues to grow proud of her students every year. Willis is growing in the UIL meets and is taking home more accomplishments than the last.
“I have several students on the journalism team who did amazing at the Waller meet,” Meachen said. “Ryder placed in all five journalism events and Vicky was named top writer of the meet. That is the first time Willis UIL has brought that honor home. My goal for the season is for all the UIL competitors to have a great time learning and improving with every meet. I know winning is fun, but UIL is about extending to what is learned in the classroom.”
