The Joliet West High School Journalism Team earned impressive recognition this afternoon at the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Journalism Sectional Awards, marking another remarkable achievement in the school’s journalistic excellence.

The team demonstrated outstanding talent and dedication, securing multiple state placements across various categories. Overall, Joliet West finished in second place for the Sectionals, missing the coveted first-place team award by just three points. The team placed in 15 out of 18 categories, with 10 students advancing to the state competition in 9 different categories.

Among the notable achievements:

• Molly Murdock-Schey & Bethany Yanchick finished with 1st Place in Yearbook Theme Development; they missed advancing last year, so are thrilled to place 1^st this year. 

• Alih Rangel was a standout, earning 3rd Place in Infographics and 1st Place in Yearbook Layout Double Page Spread, and will advance to the state competition. Rangel's goal was to be a state qualifier all four years, and today she achieved that goal! 
• Alaina Potocki captured 1st Place in Radio News and will advance to the state competition.
• Mireya Saucedo earned 4th Place in Newspaper Design and 3rd Place in Headline Writing, both of which earned her a spot at the state competition.
• Rufus Wersen earned 2nd Place in Newswriting and 6th Place in Sports Writing, advancing to state in Newswriting. Wersen is a foreign-exchange student from Sweeden and participated for the first time at the competition level, providing he has gained the skills needed to advance to state. 
• Jaedynn Clark, Amaya Nichols, and Neveah Walker secured 3rd Place in TV News and will move on to state.
• Eli Pearson impressed with a 1st Place finish in Editorial Cartooning and 3rd Place in Advertising, both of which earned him spots at the state competition.
• Madison Wingerter earned 4th Place in Feature Writing and will advance to state.
• Dalyla Martinez earned 5th Place in Editorial Writing and 6th Place in Yearbook Caption Writing, both of which earned her a spot at the state competition.
• Nicole Nielsen received 5th Place in Yearbook Copy writing and will advance to state.

"We are so incredibly proud of all of our students. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication have truly paid off, and seeing their passion for journalism come to life in these results is inspiring," said Jenn Galloy, Journalism Advisor at Joliet West High School. "Our team has grown tremendously, and it’s exciting to see them excel in so many categories. This success is a reflection of the effort, collaboration, and commitment to excellence they bring every day. We’re looking forward to representing Joliet West at the state competition!"

With 10 students advancing to state in 9 categories, Joliet West looks forward to continuing its success in the upcoming IHSA State Journalism Competition.