28th annual high school journalism workshop

This past March, ALMA hosted our 28th annual High School Journalism Workshop. About 100 students from across Arizona came to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication for a full day experience to learn about journalism careers.

Highlights:

The students heard from 2 newsmakers: the Phoenix Fire Department and Congressman Juan Ciscomani. A big thanks to both for taking the time to speak to our students and providing them with a real-life news event from which students would write news stories on deadline. Phoenix Fire held a press conference on mountain rescues. Special thanks to Congressman Ciscomani for changing to an earlier flight to be sure to attend. He shared his personal story, encouraged students to be civically engaged and took questions.

ALMA members Nick Ciletti, Rep. Stanton's press secretary Denise Garcia Ornelas, Latinas Power Talk podcast's Kenya Vasquez and KJZZ producer Nick Sanchez shared their experiences in our special Media Mix panel. It was a full circle moment for Denise, who attended our workshop as a high school student only a few years ago.

AZ Central's Richard Ruelas gave students a bootcamp session on news writing and Laura Sepulveda spoke to them about media literacy. Catherine Anaya welcomed students to the set of Arizona PBS Horizonte program, and Cronkite News allowed students to try their skills at the anchor desk and weather green screen.

We were inspired by the incredible students and teachers who attended. The students were very engaged and asked great questions. We have no doubt we have several future journalists in this year's group.

Sponsors and volunteers:

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this year's workshop possible including our entire ALMA board. Special shout out to Cronkite students Katarina Sanchez and Joana Cano for their incredible help. Thank you to our writing volunteer judges Paola Rico, Andy Ramirez, Patricio Gutierrez, David Ulloa, Anita Leach, Crystal Alvarez and Jonathan Higuera

Last but not least, thank you to this year's sponsors that made the workshop possible: KTAR News 92.3, Helios Education Foundation and the Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation. We are beyond grateful.

To our board, your dedication to planning and executing this event is unmatched.

Can't wait for year 29 coming in spring 2027!