CTK Student Journalists Selected to Cover Democratic National Convention

Two CTK student journalists, Airinay ’25 and Morgan ’26 had the opportunity of a lifetime covering this summer’s Democratic National Convention. They were selected to be part of a group of 40 high school students from 10 Illinois high schools representing the Illinois Youth Press Corps at the historic event at the United Center.  CTK Yearbook and school newspaper (The Shield) faculty advisor, Mrs. Cheryl Loy identified this amazing opportunity and helped guide the excited student journalists throughout the experience, saying: “Overall - just a profound experience, one that I hope truly engaged Airinay and Morgan, as future voters and journalists.” (Note: A third CTK student, Dayvionna '25 was unable to attend due to illness.)

Although only a few miles from their West Side campus, both CTK student journalists acknowledged the big leap involved in not just attending but covering this national event. Prior to the convention, they prepped as best they could along with Mrs. Loy and sometimes their parents. Morgan leaned on her father for support, saying, “He helped me with my speaking skills and questions to ask. We also shopped for my first professional suit.” Airinay acknowledged that they needed to overcome their lack of experience in general and in relation to that of the other student journalists who benefited from having taken their high school’s journalism and photography electives. The CTK representatives also needed to juggle dual photography and writing roles, and of course do it under the pressure of a much bigger stage than they ever imagined being on.

For the four August days of the event, the young journalists completed their typical 7:30am to 3:30pm school days, before changing into professional attire and taking part in their busy evenings at the UC. While there, they were able to observe speeches, conduct delegate interviews, and take pictures of all the happenings at the convention. They each had favorite speeches. Morgan’s was VP candidate Tim Walz for delivering an engaging speech with energy and enthusiasm. Airinay’s choice was US Representative from New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who inspired her as a young woman of color in leadership, and for her focus on issues relevant to the middle class and working people. “She spoke with fire and passion, and gave me hope for a brighter future.”

In the end, they both needed to step up amidst the swirl of activity around them, and transition from nervous teenage observers to become real journalists. Airinay seized an opportunity to interview an Arizona delegate who shared her Native American heritage. She said, “I signed up for this and had a pass and camera. I was legit. It was an opportunity to step up and show what I can do. So, I introduced myself, made a connection, and started asking him questions.” As advisor, Mrs. Loy proudly noted, “Having Airinay actually win a 30-minute press-spot on the floor with the delegates on Day 3 was possibly the biggest challenge to her fears - but she faced it beautifully!”

In the process, the two students learned a lot from being on the big stage, most importantly about themselves and their future ambitions, Morgan has become more interested in politics and law, and vows to vote when she is old enough. This experience reinforced Airinay’s desire to become a lawyer, so she can help people and advocate for issues important to her community.    

The students were grateful for Mrs. Loy for her guidance and support. Special thanks to the team’s shuttle driver Ms. Tiffany Rogers for getting the CTK group safely to and from the United Center, and for listening to each day’s highlights from their excited passengers on their way back to CTK.