It’s like Christmas for journalists – some of the three best days of the year – at the North Carolina Scholastic Media Institute camp (NCSMI).
This camp is held annually at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill which is arguably one of the most distinguished journalism schools in the United States. From their fantastic programs and professors to their numerous awards, they have the facts to back up the claim that they are, in fact, one of, if not the best journalism programs in the country.
Nine West Wind students as well as our advisor, Mrs. Anna Saunders, took this journey. At this camp, we got to learn more about journalism, from design work, broadcast, newspaper, and photography, to the importance of being curious and growing our leadership and creativity skills. Along with seeing if all of our hard work paid off in winning one of the most prestigious awards – the Tar Heel.
“I learned a lot about not only online design but leadership skills,” said Paige Levine, rising senior and Co-Editor in Chief. “Since I’m gaining a more important role in class I think this will be helpful.”
The week started early Monday morning the 16th with the activity bus departing at 6am from school. While at first bus riders tried to get some sleep, it didn’t last long and pretty soon the class was playing road trip games and making TikToks.
Upon arriving on campus we unpacked into our dorms at Granville Towers. Once everyone realized what they forgot they ventured to lunch then to the Target store next door. From sheets and blankets to snacks and Twister we made our first of many Target trips.
We then proceeded to walk to Carroll Hall where the Hussman School of Journalism and Media is located, the place in which we spent most of the trip learning so many new things. We met many new people from other schools around the state as well as professors and teachers who shared their knowledge & experience with future journalists. Then one of the most waited for Tim Crothers. The most anticipated event of the trip was our time with Mr. Time Crothers.
Tim Crothers is a phenomenal sports journalist who not only attended UNC Chapel Hill but after his time working with Sports Illustrated came back to teach at the journalism school. You might be familiar with his work on Tiger Woods, the UNC women’s soccer dynasty, or what many consider his big break, a book later adapted to screen called the
“Queen of Katwe,” the story of a chess player who beat all odds.
Many of the campers had a chance to take a class with Crothers as well as attend a press conference where we were allowed to ask him a cast of questions to help fill the inquiring minds of future journalists.
“Meeting Tim Crothers was amazing,” said incoming senior Jordan Thomas, soon-to-be two-year co-editor-in-chief of the West Wind, as well as the 2024-2025 NCSMA Student Vice President of Literary Magazine. Thomas will also serve as the 2025-2026 NCSMA Student officer President. “I want to be a sports journalist when I am older and listening to him was inspiring.”
The night wrapped up with some delicious hot dogs and fabulous cookies at Kenan Stadium where a scavenger hunt took place with two of our students, Mary Payton Pendergrass and Matthew Argo, earning first and second place. Then it was off to the dorms to play some Just Dance and Twister.
“It was really fun not only the learning aspects of the trip but also being able to bond and make more memories with our peers,” said rising senior Sadie Jones. “Just hanging out playing games and walking around campus with our class was a lot of fun.”
Tuesday the 17th started with an early wake up around 7am with most of the class grabbing coffee and bagels on Franklin Street before heading to their first class at 9am. Then everyone went their separate ways heading to their classes before reconvening for lunch. Lunch took place at the Agora food court and once everyone found the soft serve machine it was game over. Then the students continued on to the student store before going back to classes.
As classes wrapped up, the group headed to dinner. The class decided to break the tradition of heading to a local hibachi restaurant and went to Four Corners restaurant, a Franklin Street staple. From burgers, pasta, and wings everyone enjoyed their meals.
Finally, they settled the checks and headed to the last class of the night. It was a late one that lasted till 9pm but was much rewarded with a Durham-based popsicle company treating us at the end of the night, Locopops.
“Being with my friends and making so many memories was so amazing,” said Kayley Arevalo, rising senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief. “We often don’t see each other much out of the class setting so it was great to get to see each other in a different environment but it was sad to see it come to an end so quickly.”
As Wednesday came along the class was sad knowing it was the final day at camp, yet ecstatic to find out if they won any awards. So everyone got all dressed up and headed to the awards ceremonies. They were happy to learn they won many.
Tar Heel Award for Newspaper: The West Wind News Magazine
Statewide Overall Awards:
Newspaper: All-North Carolina
Broadcast: Distinction
Online News: Honor
Yearbook: Honor
Statewide Section Awards:
Newspaper: The West Wind
Graphics: 1st place
Features: 1st place
Social Media: 1st place
Design: 3rd place
Editorial: Honorable Mention
Online News: The West Wind Online:
Graphics: 1st place
Editorial: Honorable Mention
Features: Honorable Mention
Sports: Honorable Mention
Design: Honorable Mention
Broadcast: The West Wind Weekly
Social Media: 1st place
Audio: 2nd place
Editing: 3rd place
Production: 3rd place
Video: 3rd place
Recognized for excellence in broadcast at camp: Sadie Jones
Recognized for perseverance in design at camp: Kayley Arevalo and Mary Payton Pendergrass
The West Wind had a phenomenal turnout winning many awards as you can see. It’s relevant to note that many of the top-performing schools throughout North Carolina enjoy far more resources than are available to the West Winds. From multiple classes that lead up to the specific journalism class, compared to our only class to the number of resources they have such as more cameras, better computers, and more programs to work with, the abundant amount of supplies often helps them further. The West Wind is almost like the Cinderella story of journalism, except we continue to win year after year. While we may lack the resources such as a big fancy castle or carriage, the glass slipper is awarded to us in the end, just like the awards we received.
“The camp has taught me how to get out of my comfort zone,” said Thomas. “All while getting to meet new people and become a better leader for my class.”
