“Who knew despite sitting in an air conditioned grand ballroom I would still start to sweat, after realizing that someone from our school was entered in this category I would completely block out the conversation I was having, sit up, and try to ignore my heart pounding in excitement because hearing my name or just any name on the staff gave my instant pride,” said senior Tiffany Bounkhong.
On April 17 and 18 Har-Ber student publications participated in the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) in Rogers, Arkansas at the Embassy Suites. The students participated in various activities during the two days.
“It was my second year to attend the conference I actually knew what I was doing, but I noticed that we had improved tremendously from last year. We stepped it up and winning the General Excellence for Newspaper is a proof of that. Also not winning certain awards is a proof on how much improvement we can make,” said Bounkhong.
Newspaper, Yearbook, and T.V. Productions all participated in the event. On the first day they staggered while presenting the awards, students were able to participate in On-Site Competitions, and attend different workshops. On the second day, students participated in all day workshops.
Senior Hannah Blakely said, “This was my first year participating in ASPA. I felt lost, I participated in the On-Site Competition basically just took what I learned from class and applied it there. I really liked the feeling of actually getting up to receive the award.”
Blakely went on to win first place in On-Site Newspaper Design. Seniors Ben Burns and Britnee Russell won Superior in Yearbook Student Copy, and Russell and Bounkhong won Superior in Front Page Design. Russell also placed third in the state in her On-Site Newspaper Feature Writing, among three other awards.
“I felt like all of my hard work had paid off,” said Russell. “I had to cover some really difficult stories this year and it feels good to know I covered them well.”
Sophomore Sara Lachance received a big honor from Arkansas Press Women by placing first in Sports for her story “Sayarinh surprises Fayetteville late”
“We are so proud of Sara, she is an avid learner and it’s unbelievable to win as a sophomore, I’m so happy that she is a part of our staff” for professionals to recognize your work and tell you it’s great work it’s gratifying, what more can you ask for, said Bounkhong.
“I was really surprised and in shock. I was excepting to win as a junior or senior, but this motivates me to do better. Mrs. Sprague has really helped and pushed me towards stories that I’m capable of,” said Lachance.
The Herald staff has bonded over the year and it is something that all of the seniors will miss.
“I’m going to miss the family environment we have created next year, Mrs. Sprague has been such a great friend she knows when to get serious and step it up. I don’t know if I would have enjoyed Newspaper as much if I didn’t have Mrs. Sprague as an adviser,” said Bounkhong.
“This year was really successful. Almost everyone won an award and that was really rewarding as an editor,” said Russell.
“It’s been real. It’s been fun. Next year’s going to be real fun,” said junior Tyler Hohenstein.
Entertainment Editor junior Elizabeth Hankins hopes to double the amount of awards won next year.
“I want Har-Ber to be known as the best,” said Hankins.