Meet the 2025 All-State Journalism Team – MVPs of their school publications!

Linda Jones, IJEA Executive Director and Dave Porreca, CJE • June 9, 2025

The Illinois Journalism Education Association is proud to announce the members of the 2025 All-State Journalism Team. The 19 students selected for the honor comprise IJEA’s largest All-State Team in the program’s 21-year history. They were nominated by their advisers in recognition of the indispensable contributions they made to their publications during 2024-25. This year’s honorees are:

• LILY ADAMS

Senior, McHenry Community High School, editor-in-chief, McHenry Messenger

• ROMEO ALFARO

Senior, West Chicago Community High School, senior reporter, Wildcat Chronicle online new site

• IRENE BANERJEE

Senior, Huntley High School, editor-in-chief, The Voice (print) and huntleyvoice.com

• LAURA COOK

Senior, Okawville Junior/Senior High School, editor-in-chief, LaunchPad online news site

• SARAH COOK

Senior, Okawville Junior/Senior High School, c0-editor-in-chief, Timepiece yearbook

• LIGHT DOHRN

Junior, University of Chicago Laboratory High School, arts and entertainment editor, U-High Midway print and website

• CADEN GREEN

Senior, Herrin High School, copy editor for both the Herrin High newspaper and yearbook

• ANNABELLE HIEL

Senior, Washington Community High School, editor-in-chief and opinion editor, The Advocate newspaper

• MELANIE JANDURA

Senior, St. Charles North High School, editor-in-chief, The Stargazer

• ELSPETH LaCROIX-BIRDTHISTLE

Junior, University of Chicago Laboratory High School, managing photo editor, U-Highlights yearbook

• NEVAEH McCLELLAN

Senior, Carterville High School, editor-in-chief, CHS Sphinx digital newspaper and co-editor-in-chief, yearbook

• KARIM MELEK

Senior, Palatine High School, editor-in-chief, PHS Cutlass

• ALEXIS MILLER

Senior, LIFT Regional Innovation and Technology Center, broadcast manager, LIFT TV News

• WILLIAM MIZE

Senior, Huntley High School, production manager, Raider Nation News (broadcast)

• KENNY MUNAO

Senior, Prospect High School, executive producer, KnightTV

• PETER RADOSH

Senior, Prospect High School, associate editor-in-chief, The Prospector

• SABRINA ROACH

Senior, Barrington High School, editor-in-chief, the RoundUp news magazine

• AUDREY WALKER

Senior, Kaneland High School, editor-in-chief and business executive, Kaneland Krier

In addition to being nominated by their advisers, the students also submitted work samples, reflective essays and other supporting material for consideration by a panel of judges. For more information about each of our 2025 team members, please scroll down to the section titled “Meet Our Honorees for 2024-25.”

The students were recognized Saturday, June 7, at the Sarah M. Doerner All-State Journalism Team and Illinois Journalist of the Year Celebration in Springfield. The event was hosted by the Illinois Press Foundation.

About the IJEA All-State Journalism Team

The first All-State Journalism Team was announced in the spring of 2005, after the IJEA recognized a need to honor those students who have proven themselves indispensable to their respective school media, including but not limited to yearbook, print or online newspaper, print or online newsmagazine or broadcast media.

The students named to the All-State team are considered by their advisers and fellow publication members as “most valuable players” — those students whose leadership, energy, dedication and expertise not only make their publications possible, but whose main contributions often occur behind the scenes.

This award elevates student journalists who’ve put their publications ahead of themselves. They’re the ones who are willing to sacrifice their spare time to make sure other people’s stories are well edited. They’re the ones who make sure a publication’s pages are smartly designed, the headlines witty, the photos well composed, the website up to date and easy to navigate, the videos smoothly produced and the information in every story accurate. They’re the ones who don’t seek recognition but deserve it most of all.

To be eligible for the honor, students must be nominated by their respective publication advisers. A panel of judges consisting of experienced journalism educators makes the final selections.

Congratulations to all who were named to this year’s team — and to all who were nominated!

Meet Our Honorees for 2024-25

LILY ADAMS

McHenry H.S. | McHenry, McHenry County | Dane Erbach, adviser

Lily, a senior at McHenry Community High School, was editor-in-chief of the McHenry Messenger during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Dane Erbach, said in his nominating statement: “Lily is a bit of a jack of all trades, taking pictures when she needs to, helping students set up interviews or brainstorm sources, resolving conflicts between team members, and working with administrators to make sure our program has advocates in the main office and at the board of education.

“More than all that, though, she pushes our newspaper to keep publishing, working with editors and writers individually to make sure the right stories are up at the right time, that the reporting has been done in an ethical and responsible manner, and that we keep our community informed across multiple fronts, including social media.”

Lily said in her student essay: “Telling the stories of others motivates me to do journalism. I enjoy writing about important people/things and telling their story, even if no one has before. Being a voice to the voiceless is the main reason I do journalism.”

ROMEO ALFARO

West Chicago Community H.S. | West Chicago, DuPage County | Leslie Fireman, adviser

Romeo, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, was senior reporter for the Wildcat Chronicle online new site during 2024-25.

His adviser, Leslie Fireman, said in her nominating statement: “Romeo is one of the most selfless, creative, and quietly brilliant students I’ve worked with on the Wildcat Chronicle — someone who consistently goes above and beyond, not for recognition, but because he truly cares about the publication and people behind it. …

“Whether gathering interviews, editing a segment, or designing an infographic, Romeo approaches every task with care, fairness, and journalistic responsibility.”

Romeo said in his student essay: “I didn’t expect journalism to take over my life — but I’m glad it did…. I’ve found something that I genuinely enjoy, and through it, I’ve made meaningful connections — not just with classmates, but with the broader community. I may not always meet my own standards, but I strive to be that passionate, supportive communicator — the kind of journalist who lifts others up.”

IRENE BANERJEE

Huntley H.S. | Huntley, McHenry County | Dennis Brown, adviser

Irene, a senior at Huntley High School, was editor-in-chief of The Voice (print) and huntleyvoice.com during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Dennis Brown, said in his nominating statement: “I know that some students are just natural leaders and other are simply not; Irene is definitely a natural leader. Students in the class listened to her advice and respected her because of the work she put in and the time she spent doing her job….

“Irene is the queen bee because of her hard work, strong sense of responsibility, and natural leadership ability. In addition, Irene has had to do a lot of this virtually because for the past 1.5 years … chronic migraines … have kept her out of the building the majority of the time.”

Irene said in her student essay: “The most enjoyable part of journalism is the opportunity to meet other people and hear about their life experiences. I grew up appreciating literature and storytelling, so it is empowering to be able to share others’ stories.”

LAURA COOK

Okawville Junior/Senior H.S. | Okawville, Washington County | Dana Donovan, adviser

Laura, a senior at Okawville Junior/Senior High School, was editor-in-chief of the LaunchPad online news site during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Dana Donovan, said in her nominating statement: “Laura became inspired to make our small school publication one that is more community oriented….

“As a result, our top-viewed stories are now stories that concern the community. This also marks a huge lift in our readership and followers on social media. She has proposed not only adding social media managers to our staff, but also using our social media page to live stream events the public cannot attend.”

Laura said in her student essay: “I’m proud of how our staff has developed throughout this school year and of how we’ve established our rhythm as an editorial team. People are exploring the realm of journalism and competing in more events and competitions than ever before…. I believe that good journalism entails having a question and developing a perspective about a topic through the words we create. Good journalism educates the public, prompts tough questions, and strives for self-improvement.”

SARAH COOK

Okawville Junior/Senior H.S. | Okawville, Washington County | Dana Donovan, adviser

Sarah, a senior at Okawville Junior/Senior High School, was c0-editor-in-chief of the Timepiece yearbook during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Dana Donovan, said in her nominating statement: “Sarah is one of those students who is there when we need her. Our biggest fundraiser of the year is our Wheat Festival pie stand.

“The yearbook staff makes homemade pies and other foods to sell at our town festival. Sarah is there for every step of the process, being a visible leader for the two weeks that this endeavor takes. She is at dough making ….she is at Bake Night …. and, of course, she is at the stand nearly all weekend. She understands that these fundraisers are important, but so is inspiring our staff to be there when needed.”

Sarah said in her student essay: “To me, good journalism is reliable, inclusive, interesting, and passionate without bias. I think that my publication lives up to those expectations mostly … I make it my personal goal to be inclusive, to make sure we’re accurate when we report news, and I just love seeing the end result of a year’s worth of hard work.”

LIGHT DOHRN

University of Chicago Laboratory H.S. | Chicago, Cook County | Logan Aimone, adviser

Light, a junior at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School, was arts and entertainment editor for the U-High Midway print newspaper and online news site during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Logan Aimone, said in his nominating statement: “As a section editor, she’s made a deliberate effort to provide clear expectations, to actively and patiently coach writers and assistant editors, and to make sure every question is answered, often proactively. No one told her this was how to be an editor — she identified a need, figured out a plan and got to work. With contagious confidence, Light is comfortable interviewing her peers or the principal, and willing to pursue complicated and nuanced stories even through adversity. She represents the best qualities of a student journalist.”

Light said in her student essay: “As a reporter, I thought nothing could be more powerful than the impact of publishing a good story. As an editor I realize that supporting younger journalists is just as fulfilling as positive reactions to my own work….Journalism has taught me that the impact we have on others isn’t always obvious when it’s happening.”

CADEN GREEN

Herrin H.S. | Herrin, Williamson County | Samantha Goetting, adviser

Caden, a senior at Herrin High School, was copy editor for both the Herrin High newspaper and yearbook during 2024-25.

His adviser, Samantha Goetting, said in her nominating statement: “Caden stands out not only for his technical expertise but also for his dedication and ability to inspire those around him….

“Caden’s command of copy editing has elevated the quality of our publications. His sharp eye for grammatical precision, AP Style consistency, and clarity in storytelling ensures that every article published in our newspaper meets professional standards. He has streamlined our editing process …. His proactive approach in catching factual inconsistencies has safeguarded our publication’s credibility, reinforcing our commitment to fairness and accuracy.”

Caden said in his student essay: “I have always found my immediate world too small. I do not live in a city, and as such I cannot walk outside and meet different people, eat new foods, or listen to new music. This led me to have a profound curiosity which led me into journalism….Strong journalism satisfies a curiosity—people want a story and journalists must provide it.”

ANNABELLE HIEL

Washington Community H.S. | Washington, Tazewell County | Jennifer Reiser, adviser

Annabelle, a senior at Washington Community High School, was editor-in-chief and opinion editor for The Advocate newspaper during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Jennifer Reiser, said in her nominating statement: “She is a natural leader who inspires her staff to produce high quality reporting, photography and design….Annabelle leads by example, motivating those around her with her own excitement and dedication. She is an innovator in and out of the newsroom. She pushes the staff to try new approaches to design, new angles of stories and new strategies for acquiring readership.”

Annabelle said in her student essay: “This year, stepping into journalism class has felt like stepping out of school and into a full-fledged job. As editor-in-chief, I’ve assumed responsibilities for brainstorming stories, deciding layouts, editing other students’ work, developing my own stories and maintaining clear communication between myself, the editorial board, our student writers, and our adviser. There is a sense of controlled chaos, and while it can be challenging to manage, it’s a challenge I’m happy to take on day after day.”

MELANIE JANDURA

St. Charles North H.S. | St. Charles, Kane County | Katherine Heurung & Quinlan Kyp-Johnson, advisers

Melanie, a senior at St. Charles North High School, was editor-in-chief of The Stargazer during 2024-25.

Katherine Heurung, one of Melanie’s advisers, said in her nominating statement: “Melanie is a gifted writer, a thoughtful editor and a collegial and encouraging mentor for her fellow student journalists.

“What is most impressive about her, though, is her unwavering dedication to growth and self-improvement in the name of excellence for not only herself, but her team…. She is always encouraging when staff members want to try something new. She never ever dismisses a story idea, but instead coaches her peers on how to scale their ideas to fit a student publication.”

Melanie said in her student essay: “I commit to pushing The Stargazer staff and myself to cover hard-hitting news because I find it important to ask difficult questions and therefore get to the truth. Throughout this school year, I strived for The Stargazer to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to strengthen our drive for understanding.”

ELSPETH LaCROIX-BIRDTHISTLE

University of Chicago Laboratory H.S. | Chicago, Cook County | Jayna Rumble, adviser

Elspeth, a junior at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School, was managing photo editor for the U-Highlights yearbook during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Jayna Rumble, said in her nominating statement: “Elspeth has been absolutely instrumental in managing our yearbook staff’s photo needs. She used her photo expertise to help teach designers to choose the photos that would have the most impact on their pages. She helped beginners on staff learn and practice caption writing.

“She managed deadlines, checked spreads for photos and captions and even took photos herself when she could. And all of this was in addition to her quickly learning and mastering the skills needed to conduct longer interviews, write journalistic pieces, brainstorm alternative story forms, copy edit pages and use Adobe Indesign to create beautiful pages. She does it all, and she does it really, really well.”

Elspeth said in her student essay: “I am motivated to continue yearbook journalism and photojournalism in order to teach others how to tell stories, but also because I love and feel very fortunate to be the one telling stories that need to be told, either through photos or print journalism.”

NEVAEH McCLELLAN

Carterville H.S. | Carterville, Williamson County | Jenny Dorris, adviser

Nevaeh, a senior at Carterville High School, was editor-in-chief of the CHS Sphinx digital newspaper and co-editor-in-chief of the CHS yearbook during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Jenny Dorris, said in her nominating statement that Nevaeh began the year as ONLY editor-in-chief of Carterville’s digital newspaper but then added the yearbook position when another student was unable to fulfill the duties. Nevaeh, a four-year publications student, began her publications career during the Covid-19 pandemic and has “risen to the challenge to ensure our publications class continues to push the boundaries of 21st century journalism despite some challenges this year,” Ms. Dorris said. “Nevaeh has grown so much in the last year and has taken on every controversy or problem that I presented her with and risen to leading her classmates to produce their best publications yet.”

Nevaeh said in her student essay: “The most enjoyable aspect of journalism this year has been the opportunity to engage with my peers and involve them in the storytelling process. Collaborating with a diverse group of writers and seeing their unique perspectives come to life has reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork.”

KARIM MELEK

Palatine H.S. | Palatine, Cook County | Sean Berleman & Shonda Dudlicek, advisers

Karim, a senior at Palatine High School, was editor-in-chief of the PHS Cutlass during 2024-25.

One of Karim’s advisers, Sean Berleman, said in his nominating statement: “Karim’s journalistic achievements are remarkable. Under his leadership, our school news site has expanded its coverage, delivering impactful stories on a wide range of topics from District 211’s new superintendent to an op-ed arguing for stronger first amendment rights.

“In his role as editor in-chief, he has helped the section editors develop their own skills as well as plan out a publication schedule.” Mr. Berleman noted that a consistent publication schedule is especially challenging because the Cutlass runs as an extra-curricular activity.

Karim said in his student essay: “What I’m most proud of this year is our consistent publishing schedule and significant increase in both articles published and staff participation….I genuinely enjoy mentoring new writers who come into the newsroom for the first time. It feels like a way of passing my passion for journalism forward, just like the editors my freshman year did for me.”

ALEXIS MILLER

LIFT Regional Innovation and Technology Center | Mattoon, Coles County | Shad Huddleston, adviser

Alexis, a senior at the LIFT Regional Innovation and Technology Center, was broadcast manager for LIFT TV News during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Shad Huddleston, said in his nominating statement: “Lexi makes monthly visits to each of our seven different programs to find out what they have been up to each month. She conducts brief informal interviews, takes photos each week, emails staff and students for details on events, projects, etc.

“She shares all of her information with our digital news director and makes sure that they have everything needed to create an informative and engaging edition of LIFT Links.”

Alexis said in her student essay: “What I have found to be the most enjoyable about journalism this year is getting to include other students my age in what I am producing. Watching students who don’t have experience or an interest in journalism put a creative spin on a story they are helping me with or share ideas for a story they want to see on the news in the future helps to keep it fun and engaging for me.”

WILLIAM MIZE

Huntley H.S. | Huntley, McHenry County | Lauren Teeter, adviser

William, a senior at Huntley High School, was production manager of Raider Nation News (broadcast) during 2024-25.

His adviser, Lauren Teeter, said in her nominating statement: “Will has an exceptional ability to find the stories that matter to his community and execute them with near perfection. Yet, what truly sets him apart is his continuous growth–each story he produces is stronger than the last.

“Outside of our newsroom, his work has gained recognition at the district level and has been honored by prestigious organizations, including Quill and Scroll, IWPA, NISPA, and MMEA. His leadership in journalism extends beyond his own storytelling; he has a keen ability to guide his peers in asking the right questions and identifying stories that need to be told.”

William said in his student essay: “To me, good journalism is honest, engaging, and impactful. Over the last four years, I have dedicated myself to telling meaningful stories, always striving to leave a lasting impact on my community.”

KENNY MUNAO

Prospect H.S. | Mt. Prospect, Cook County | Jason Block, adviser

Kenny, a senior at Prospect High School, was executive producer of KnightTV during 2024-25.

His adviser, Jason Block, said in his nominating statement: “I first met Kenny when he was a student in my Introduction to Multimedia Communication course his sophomore year, and he immediately struck me as someone who will stop at nothing to tell the stories he wants to tell, pouring everything he has into his projects.

“That especially became evident when he discovered his true passion in media: broadcast journalism….He has a great presence on the air and a voice you can’t teach, but more impressive and important in my mind is the unparalleled level of preparation Kenny undertakes before each broadcast.”

Kenny, Kenny, who in addition to his position with KnightTV, shoots photos for the ProspectorNow.com website and is the play-by-play voice of Prospect athletics, said: “My plate is absolutely full with journalism during the busy times of the year.”

PETER RADOSH

Prospect H.S. | Mt. Prospect, Cook County | Jason Block, adviser

Peter, a senior at Prospect High School, was associate editor-in-chief of The Prospector during 2024-25.

His adviser, Jason Block, said in his nominating statement: “Peter has done nothing but build on his junior year successes, as he continues to take risks and cover some of the most important subjects in our program as a senior. The way he handled his story on gun control – specifically school shootings – was as professional of a piece as I’ve seen a high school journalist produce.”

Mr. Block noted that Peter also contributes breaking news coverage for Prospect’s website, as well as numerous photo albums documenting events at school and in the community. For KnightTV Live, Peter served as color commentator throughout the football season.

Peter said in his student essay: “I believe journalism to be the purest form of public service. Through the art of interview and observation, journalists can inform readers of their current situation or introduce them to new perspectives.”

SABRINA ROACH

Barrington H.S. | Barrington, Lake County | Laura Minerva, adviser

Sabrina, a senior at Barrington High School, was editor-in-chief of The RoundUp news magazine during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Laura Minerva, said in her nominating statement: “Sabrina excels in design–frankly, she’s a natural. Sabrina takes risks in her design work. She knows the design rules, and she understands when to break them.

“There is always something unexpected in her work: a pop of color here, an element out of place there; yet it all comes together….I often tell students that good design is all about problem-solving; Sabrina is the ultimate problem-solver.… A kind, patient mentor, Sabrina helps the editors do their best work (without doing it for them).”

Sabrina said in her student essay: “I’ve found that journalism is all about the little moments, searching for the everyday people and handing them a megaphone. The ghost of my shy, freshman self still sometimes follows me. … But helping students, athletes and teachers tell their story has helped me realize how powerful my own voice can be.”

AUDREY WALKER

Kaneland H.S. | Maple Park, Kane County | Dominic Bruno, adviser

Audrey, a senior at Kaneland High School, was editor-in-chief and business executive of the Kaneland Krier during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Dominic Bruno, said in his nominating statement: “This year, she has served as our editor-in-chief and advertising and business executive, two positions that require a commitment to honest, insightful, and meaningful journalism.

“As editor-in-chief, Audrey plays an essential role in every decision we make. In her advertising and business executive role, Audrey embraced what may be the most challenging job on the staff…. she has helped our staff approach the end of the year with enough of an account balance to purchase broadcasting and podcasting equipment, two iPads and Apple pens, and new cameras that will benefit future staff members.”

Audrey said in her student essay: “Through these [two] roles, I’ve had a large impact on the everyday operations and financial health of the Krier and ensured current and future success…. Above all, I have prioritized being a leader for our publication. … I’m a firm believer that having an organized and positive work environment is the key to success.”

MEAGHAN WERNETT

Downers Grove North H.S. | Downers Grove, DuPage County | Eric Landschoot, adviser

Meaghan, a senior at Downers Grove North High School, was online editor-in-chief of the DGN-Omega newspaper/website during 2024-25.

Her adviser, Eric Landschoot, said in his nominating statement: “Meaghan has not only been instrumental in the success of our print publication, but she is also the main reason our website consistently posts good, ethical, and newsworthy content on a daily basis.

“Without Meaghan, the DGN Omega would not have had the great success during the 2024-2025 school year as it did…. Meaghan makes all of the other editors on our staff better at what they do, and for that, they are thankful.”

Meaghan said in her student essay: “Though I love writing articles of my own, being an editor-in-chief has been an incredible experience. We have had several amazing issues this year that have garnered community-wide recognition for their hard-hitting and heart-warming stories alike. Being able to have such an impact by leading the writers on our staff has been a privilege.”

IJEA All-State Journalism Teams Since 2004-05

Our 2025 honorees join a long line of distinguished high school journalists who have earned All-State recognition since the competition began during the 2004-05 school year. Congratulations to all of our past winners, and we look forward to honoring many more outstanding scholastic journalists in the years to come!

• 2024 Team (2023-24 school year)

• 2023 Team (2022-23 school year)

• 2022 Team (2021-22 school year)

• 2021 Team (2020-21 school year)

• 2020 Team (2019-20 school year)

• 2019 Team (2018-19 school year)

• 2018 Team (2017-18 school year)

• 2017 Team (2016-17 school year)

• 2016 Team (2015-16 school year)

• 2015 Team (2014-15 school year)

• 2014 Team (2013-14 school year)

• 2013 Team (2012-13 school year)