The Blaze Copy Editor | 2025 WI Student Journalist of the Year
Photojournalism
I wholeheartedly believe that I would not be where I am today without my sophomore year photojournalism class. That course taught me everything I know about cameras, photo composition, caption format, you name it. Photojournalism gave me the basis of my entire high school career and set my path for what I want to do for the rest of my life. To me, photojournalism wasn't just a class. It was a chance to see the world through a new perspective (the camera). As I got more comfortable with the camera, I started testing out new angles and heights, resulting in capturing storytelling photos. The biggest, most important takeaway I gained from the class is that the camera will only take you so far, the best way to zoom in is by moving your feet.
Student Life
Making sure our student body feels seen and represented is what the yearbook is for. No matter what time it is, there is guaranteed to be something happening at Indian Trail. Here are some pictures I took of student life.
2023-2024
When I received word that Communications graduate and WKOW multimedia journalist Madison Rios was going to be visiting our school to be a guest speaker on the "Get a Load of This" podcast, I knew I had to get a camera ready. While I was taking this pictures, I was also tuning in. Madison's story from how she went from being copy editor for the yearbook to working in a professional newsroom really inspired me.
On a very slow day, I took a camera and peeked into other classrooms around the school. While I was out, I found the newspaper staff hard at work. Being in their room for their class period really showed me how unique, but oddly similar, our publications truly are.
Every year, the Business Academy hosts Reality Check Day. The name truly is the basis of the event, students have to learn how to live while simulating a budget, a family, a house and vehicle and so much more.
When I received word that Communications graduate and WKOW multimedia journalist Madison Rios was going to be visiting our school to be a guest speaker on the "Get a Load of This" podcast, I knew I had to get a camera ready. While I was taking this pictures, I was also tuning in. Madison's story from how she went from being copy editor for the yearbook to working in a professional newsroom really inspired me.
Please click and scroll through.
2024-2025
At Indian Trail, football is such a huge part of who we are. You will never see more students at any other sport. The buzz in the stands is unmatched, and is the perfect representation of student life.
Our music classes are almost just as important as our sports. The students who play very obviously take pride in what they do. Student life is all about what goes on beneath the surface that not many people know about, like music class.
Although the expo only lasts a couple hours, students spend months putting in the work to make those few hours the perfect depiction of everything they've done to prepare behind the scenes. I picked this photo specifically because of the amount of time my peers took out of each and everyday to make their visions reality.
At Indian Trail, football is such a huge part of who we are. You will never see more students at any other sport. The buzz in the stands is unmatched, and is the perfect representation of student life.
Please click and scroll through.
Sports
Sports are a large part of our school. When it comes to school rivalry, I don't know anyone who does it better than Indian Trail. Here are some pictures I took at sports games and events.
2023-2024
I chose to include this picture because during this practice, it was so cold outside. It was the end of March and the wind was so strong, but the boys braved the weather and I stayed out there with them. In a way, this picture shows how dedicated we both are to what we love.
I'm including this picture because of how impactful this meet was to watch. I remember watching each school cross the finish line. I saw girls faint, vomit, cry, smile and laugh. When I left that day, I felt so empowered after having watched these girls push themselves further and further to the finish line.
I added this picture because the lacrosse teams are combined school teams. Everyone coming together and bonding over their love for the sport is truly what it's all about.
I chose to include this picture because during this practice, it was so cold outside. It was the end of March and the wind was so strong, but the boys braved the weather and I stayed out there with them. In a way, this picture shows how dedicated we both are to what we love.
Please click and scroll through.
2024-2025
Basketball practices in the gym everyday but Sunday, and it shows on the court. I included this photo because it shows that even when our team is surrounded by players from the other team, they don't give up.
Watching the cheer team flawlessly lift themselves into this formation made me realize just how much they trust and care for each other. I chose this photo for that reason.
Even after missing the ball, she repositioned her club and tried again. I chose to include this picture because it shows how the girls golf team has never given up.
Basketball practices in the gym everyday but Sunday, and it shows on the court. I included this photo because it shows that even when our team is surrounded by players from the other team, they don't give up.
Please click and scroll through.