AUSTIN, TEXAS—While many students spent their summers vacationing, or even just relaxing at home, the yearbook and newspaper editors of Flour Bluff High School traveled to the University of Texas at Austin campus for a four day conference (the Interscholastic League Press Conference) to hone their skills as journalists, photographers and competitors in the upcoming school year.

“IPLC was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to take the Advanced Photojournalism class where I got to learn the ins and outs of cameras, editing, and caption writing. My favorite part was when my class got to go around the UFCU Disch-Falk Field and photograph a local Juneteenth parade that was coming through. However, my least favorite part definitely had to be the long hours when I had to be up and moving through the heat and humidity,” said junior Scarlett Jorgensen, who went as the Photography Editor for the yearbook.

The photojournalism class walked 8 miles in the heat and humidity over the course of the class and got some amazing photos while there.

The classes included long hours and late nights. Students would attend their first class at nine a.m. and then break for lunch around noon. For lunch, students would walk half of a mile to get to the dining hall and eat there. After lunch, students would return to classes at around 1:30 and break for dinner at five o’clock. Students went back to class from seven to nine o’clock and then went back to their dorms to complete the homework for the night.

“I enjoyed the (Yearbook Design and Theme Development) class and it informed me of many different ways yearbooks are produced. We even learned so much we decided to change our theme! Although by the end I was ready to be home,” said senior Addyson Lapp, who went to the conference with Co-Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, Laila McGough.

The conference was not only suited for yearbook, however, but also catered to UIL Journalism competitors as they prepare for the upcoming UIL season.

“My favorite part of the workshop was being able to get feedback from different teachers who have had judging experience. I was able to sharpen my skills learning the tips and techniques they provided us with,” said junior Meredith Gayanilo, a staff writer for the newspaper and an active participator in UIL.

Some other classes that were offered included Newspaper Essentials, Newspaper Editorial Leadership, Journalism Bootcamp, Advanced Writing, Design and Production, Video Storytelling, Yearbook Essentials and Beginner Photojournalism.

ILPC offered a new experience and, hopefully, changed Flour Bluff publications for the better.