EPHS broadcast team wins IHSA Journalism sectional

Five Elmwood Park High School students placed top six across four different categories in their IHSA Journalism sectional competition. Three of those students will advance to the state competition later this month. The students and their categories are as follows:

• First place in TV News: Johnny Baratta (Sr.), Rayan Lahlou-nabil (Sr.) and Sarai Quintanar (Sr.)
• Fourth place in Sports Writing: Matthew Pritt (Jr.)
• Fifth place in Editorial Writing: Lili Corbett (Sr.)
• Sixth place in Review Writing: Lili Corbett (Sr.)

This is the first year EPHS has participated in the journalism competition, leaving some students surprised they accomplished the feat.

“Since we’ve never done it before I’m surprised we got first, but I’m also really happy,” said Quintanar. “And I did think it turned out really well.” 

Journalism students Johnny Baratta, Sarai Quintanar and Rayan Lahlou-Nabil sit in the high school's new broadcast studio (D401 Photo: Dave Porreca)

“I thought it was pretty fun, regardless if I didn’t get to state,” said Pritt. “I still had a lot of fun doing it.”

With their first-place finish in TV News, Baratta, Lahlou-nabil and Quintanar are eligible to compete in the state competition. 

“It’s a tremendous honor and it just shows off the fact that what we’re doing in this building is working,” said Journalism Teacher Christina Heinen.  

“I truly believe we have the makings of a championship journalism program at EPHS. The foundation has been set thanks to the hard work of the students, Mrs. Heinen and the support of our administration,” said District Communications & Social Media Specialist Dave Porreca.

The state competition will be held on April 26 in Normal, IL.