After competing in the Texas Association of Journalism Educators (TAJE) Fall Fiesta this past weekend, the journalism team walked away with awards in tow. Juliet Olivares received an excellent rating in editorial writing and last year’s yearbook received second place in Best in Show for the 1-240 page category.

Olivares, who placed sixth in Editorial Writing in Conference 6A State last year, said she was nervous going into the contest.

“It had been some time since I had done a proper contest. I was nervous that I wasn’t going to do well or just miraculously forget everything about editorial,” Olivares. “I also felt some pressure to do well because I went to state last year; I was sort of worried I wouldn’t be able to live up to that,” Olivares said.

This is Ace Johnson’s second year as the yearbook’s editor-in-chief. Though the yearbook has received honorable mention before, second place was unexpected.

“I was really surprised and proud. We had just received a critique about the book and there were some issues that I was aware of and we are already working on improving,” two-year yearbook editor-in-chief, Ace Johnson said.  

Like Johnson, Olivares is also looking for ways to improve.

“I hope to advance to state again, and possibly place higher than I did before. I expect the best from myself, and although [not placing first] might seem disheartening, it’s what keeps me constantly improving and motivated,” Olivares said.