EPHS Journalism Students Find State Success

This article was created with support from Dave Porreca, Communications & Social Media Specialist.

Congratulations to EPHS senior Beanie Martinico and freshman Mia Pares for advancing to the Illinois High School Association Journalism State Finals on April 24! Hosted by Heartland Community College in Normal, the two students competed in their respective events: Beanie in review writing and Mia in yearbook caption writing.

Senior Karolina Wojdyla also qualified for state as the sectional champion in yearbook page design, but was unable to compete due to a previously scheduled band trip to Colorado.

At finals, Beanie made school history. Earning 4th place in review writing, she became the first EPHS student to win an IHSA state medal in journalism! She advanced to state after placing 2nd in her event at sectionals on April 11.

Mia also made history as the first EPHS freshman to compete at the journalism state finals! She qualified for state by placing 2nd in her event at sectionals.

Beanie (left) and Mia (right) show off their qualifier badges at the opening ceremony

Only competing in the IHSA tournament for the past three years, EPHS has produced sectional champions and state qualifiers each season.

Previous Year Highlights

2024: EPTV seniors—Johnny Baratta, Rayan Lahlou-Nabil, and Sarai Quintanar—won the sectional title in TV news. 

2025: Beanie won the sectional title in feature writing as a junior, while Precious Balikpo placed 2nd at sectionals in infographics as a sophomore.

2026: Karolina won a sectional title in her event, while Beanie and Mia each earned runner-up finishes to qualify for state.

Congratulations to Beanie, Mia, and Karolina on their outstanding accomplishments and for continuing the tradition of EPHS journalism success.