Castillo named 1A/2A student journalist of the year by Kansas Scholastic Press Association

Heather Baker | editor in chief

The Kansas Scholastic Press Association has recognized senior Sophia Castillo as the 1A/2A student journalist of the year.

The award celebrates the best student journalists for 1/2A, 3/4A and 5/6A schools, and awards an overall winner to compete in a national competition through the Journalism Education Association.

Castillo edits a Charger story during newspaper class.

Castillo completed an extensive application, which included a personal essay, resume, transcript, letters of recommendation and a portfolio of work she’s done over the past two years. 

Putting together her portfolio took almost two weeks. Castillo said the process gave her a chance to reflect on her work as an editor in chief of the Charger. “My work has really improved from my first few stories,” she said. The portfolio is available on the Charger website.

As part of her requirements, she needed three letters of recommendation. One from the journalism adviser, and two of her choice. She chose superintendent Troy Pitsch and wrestling coach Jason Miller.

“I have witnessed Sophia’s exceptional dedication and leadership in her role, significantly contributing to the success and impact of our esteemed publication, ‘The Charger,” Pitsch wrote. “Her editorial skills and unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence have elevated the student newspaper’s quality and expanded its influence. Under Sophia’s guidance, “The Charger” has become a powerhouse of information for secondary campuses, accurately reflecting the pulse of our student body.”

Adviser Brendan Praeger wrote “In the newsroom, Sophia has grown as a leader. Her ability to plan issues, cover events, edit work and communicate with the staff, as well as her developing abilities in design and photography, means she has a hand in almost every part of our coverage. She also has strong opinions which contribute to the editorial voice of the publication. While some students are content to simply report the events happening at the school, Sophia has a good sense of when a publication needs to advocate for students.”

The award includes a $750 scholarship, as well as a plaque to hang in the school. Castillo’s advice to future competitors is to prepare by doing stories of all kinds, not just what is comfortable.

Castillo is the second WHS student to win the award, following Emma Alderman in 2022. 

Praeger said the award reflects the work of the whole staff. “It’s like winning the Heisman — you can be a great player, but it still takes a whole team to elevate everyone’s work. Her application focused on her work as an editor, rather than just things she’s done, so I think it shows the strengths of our publication to be recognized by KSPA again.”