On Thursday, March 22 at Sachse High School, three advanced journalism students competed in various journalism-related UIL events including news, features, editorials, copy-editing, and headlines. All competitors were members of the newspaper staff and placed in at least one event.

Junior Natalie Taylor placed first in editorials, first in copy-editing, second in features, and sixth in news.

“I was really excited when I found out I just placed,” Taylor said. “I’ve been doing journalism UIL since my freshman year, and this is my first year to place high enough to go to regionals.”

Taylor will advance to the regional competition at Baylor University on April 14.

“I’m so pumped to go to regionals,” Taylor said. “Even if I don’t place there, I’m just happy to get the opportunity to go.”

Sophomore Caroline Aguilar placed fourth in copy-editing and it was her first year competing.

“It was my first competition,” Aguilar said. “I was very honored to have placed and I hope to improve for next year.”

Journalism teacher Deanna Hand is happy with the results of the competition and remains optimistic for regionals.

“I’m proud of the team and excited that we’re advancing to regionals,” Hand said. “Next year, the goal is to be the top-ranked journalism team in the district. I have a lot of talented students, so I think it’s an attainable goal.”