Huntley High School journalism team clinches state championship at 2025 IHSA finals

Huntley High School's journalism team has made history by clinching the title of 2025 IHSA state champions, a remarkable achievement celebrated during the recent Board of Education meeting. The team, guided by dedicated sponsors, showcased their talent and hard work, earning accolades in various categories at the state finals held at Heartland Community College.

The journey to the championship began on April 5, when the team secured second place in their sectional competition, advancing students in ten events to the state finals. Individual accomplishments included first-place finishes by Mia Asencio in radio news, and Will Mize, Jocelyn Jones, and Elena Satalino in TV news, among others. The team demonstrated impressive skills across multiple disciplines, with several students earning top placements in categories such as infographics, photo storytelling, and newspaper design.

As the state finals progressed, the Huntley team found themselves in a competitive field of over a hundred schools. With a total of 25 points, they were in contention as the final results were announced. The excitement peaked when it was revealed that Huntley had tied for the state championship with Prospect High School, marking a significant milestone for the program.

This victory is particularly poignant as it coincides with the retirement of Dennis Brown, a long-time adviser of The Voice, who has mentored students for over two decades. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping the success of the journalism program, making this championship a fitting tribute to his legacy.

The Board of Education meeting not only celebrated the students' achievements but also highlighted the importance of journalism education in fostering critical thinking and communication skills among young people. As the Huntley community reflects on this success, the future looks bright for the journalism program, promising continued excellence and inspiration for aspiring journalists.