by Bailey Schildberg

On Thursday, Oct.3, senior Kate Fulk received the Emerging Journalist Honor award, given by the IHSPA (Iowa High School Press Association.) This award was given to ten outstanding journalists in Iowa who were nominated by their advisers as up-and-coming. The IHSPA selected the top ten based on “overall work quality, understanding the basics of journalism, experimentation, and impact on (the) school and community.”

Journalism teacher Allison Berryhill not only nominated Fulk, but also two others, juniors Laeni Pelzer and Cooper Zablocki.

In only her first year in journalism, Fulk put in the work for this award. She covered breaking news, met deadlines, wrote multiple stories, fixed mistakes in her work, and taught herself about the software program Final Cut Pro. “She’s just a go-getter and knows how to get things done,” said Berryhill.

When Berryhill nominated Fulk for this award, she had to send in three examples of her work and a letter of recommendation written by Berryhill herself. In the letter, Berryhill stated that Fulk “has the mindset of a critical thinker, the guts to pursue tough stories, and a great work ethic. She proves this by showing her dedication by coming into the J-Lab on weekends and study halls, and as editor of the ‘Eye of the Needle.’”

“I’m so inspired and honored to receive this special award. I think that if you really like journalism and try hard that you can earn it too,” said Fulk.

This is the first year the IHSPA has honored Emerging Journalists. According to Berryhill, the organization wanted to find a way to spotlight kids who were on their way to becoming leaders. “Many of my journalists have shown creativity and leadership. In making my nominations, I chose kids who’d done exemplary work.”

Nominations for next year’s Emerging Journalist awards will be made in the spring.

The full listing of Iowa students nominated as Emerging Journalists is available on the IHSPA website.