Class of 2009
Congratulations, 2009 Participants
Krystal Barcenez is a junior at McCollum High School where she serves as photo editor for Brand-It, the school magazine. Krystal has also spent the last two years as a staff writer for Brand-It. She is learning design at her internship with the Harlandale Independent School District in-house print shop.
Bernice Barrera, a junior at Jefferson High School, says she never goes anywhere without a book. “Reading frequently leads me to writing a few things of my own,” she says. This aspiring journalist has always loved literature and was encouraged to peruse journalism by her English teachers.
Karen Becerra, Warren High School junior, is one busy student. Karen plays in the school band, is part of the Spanish Club and Student Council, all while serving as the Editor in Chief of her school newspaper. She has been writing for the newspaper since her sophomore year.
Justin Chesnut is an enthusiastic junior at Bandera High School who has learned to merge his passion for writing with his love for theater. Justin writes about the performing arts in his high school newspaper. He also competes in the One Act Play for UIL.
Keri Clark, a junior at Judson High School, has lived many places but it wasn’t until she was living in New Jersey that she fell in love with journalism. After taking her first journalism class, Keri’s family moved to San Antonio where she enrolled in journalism classes at Judson High School. Keri is now co-editor-in-chief for the newspaper.
Jackie Fernandez is a junior at Cornerstone Christian Schools where she has served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper for two years. She also hosts “Say it loud” a teen radio show on KSLR-AM, which airs Saturdays at 9 p.m.
Brent Harris, Steven’s High School senior, has been editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper “The Talon” for three years. Under his leadership the newspaper won the Silver Medalist Certificate from Columbia Journalism School. He plans to study journalism in the San Antonio area. He is also part of the San Antonio Express-News Teen Team and is a regular contributor to the Teen Team blog.
Tyler Johnson is a junior from Stevens High School who is very determined to get what he wants. Tyler found his passion in journalism after transferring to Stevens and says that now no one can deter him from being a journalist. He also participates in UIL news writing.
Alma Manzanares is a junior at Lee High School who has always loved to write. When she was younger she would always carry a journal around with her incase inspiration hit. In high school she began taking journalism courses and writing for the yearbook. She also competes in UIL news writing and feature writing where she has won first place.
Maribel Molina, Lee High School junior, is a multitalented individual. Maribel is the band drum major; she serves on the prom committee and the National Honor Society; competes in UIL journalism and writes for the yearbook. Adding to her list of achievements, Maribel will be the editor of her high school newspaper next school year.
Mariel Pachecano, a junior at Stevens High School, has found her calling. Her years at “The Talon, ” her high school newspaper, have helped find the career she wants to be in. She now competes in UIL journalism and has won numerous awards including, first place in editorial writing and sixth place at district for news writing. She will serve as editor-in-chief next school year.
Alena Ramirez is a senior a Johnson High School who hopes to be a photojournalist one day. Her passion for photojournalism is so great that she chose to switch schools so that she could continue her studies in photojournalism.
Fernando Rios Jr., McCollum High School senior, writes for his high school newspaper and the student magazine. His interest in writing started in junior high after being referred to an advance Language Arts class by a teacher. He soon found his voice and eventually joined journalism in high school.
Katherine Sanchez, a Roosevelt High School junior, sees writing as a cathartic experience. Through writing she has been able to come with some of life’s challenges. She hopes that her writing will help others as it has helped her. She serves as a reporter and photography editor for her high school newspaper and design editor for the yearbook.