Florida; an almost dream-like paradise filled with beautiful shores, money-making theme parks and parties that are scattered from beach to beach. But, behind all the surface-level extravagance that exists in the sunshine state, lies a mecca of education and students who travel from all across the nation to better themselves in the realm of journalism: the Dolphin Hotel. Located not 15 minutes away from Walt Disney World, most every week the Dolphin is host for different types of conventions, this last week hosting the National High School Journalism Convention, which myself and my classmates attended.

Upon arriving at the Dolphin, the most grand of architectural design rests at your feet. Towering far above the horizon and covering 100% of one’s visual field, the geometric yet elegant design of the Dolphin Hotel is a sight to see. With not one, but two sand-volleyball beaches, hammocks scattered around the perimeter, and a gorgeous boardwalk with views straight out of a Disney movie set, visiting this convention in the heart of Florida provides for not only an educational experience, but a visual one as well.

Perry sophomore Trevor Rowlands, a student who is not enrolled in newspaper, commercial photography, or yearbook, but is an english student of Mrs. Stueber, came along to the convention in Orlando as well. Wanting to pursue broadcasting later in his life, Rowlands commented , “being here in Orlando gives me a lot of opportunities to learn about broadcasting and journalism, and the Dolphin is one of the most grand hotels I’ve seen and experienced.”

Cameras that may have costed well over two-thousand dollars were a sight that all convention goers came across hundreds of times throughout their evenings at the Dolphin. If you weren’t holding a camera, you were probably being recorded by one in an interview or talking to someone who was. “We’re excited to learn how better our techniques in broadcasting,” said Hannah Schultejans from Linberg High School in Missouri. “It’s all about telling the full extent of someone’s story, which is the most important element in journalism.”

Students who strived to learn more about how to tell a story were also able to go around the convention and attend informative sessions, such as one called “Shock Talk”, which taught that, “often the decision isn’t whether you can publish a story or photo; it’s whether you should.” It’s key points like this that made visiting the NHSJC worth attending and a truly rewarding experience.

The NHSJC is a convention that’s definitely worth the cost. Not only do you get to travel around the nation in search of knowledge relating to a profession you are passionate about, but you get to spend four days with people you can bond with, relate to, and share memories with. For me, walking around the Dolphin Hotel, listening to speakers in sessions, and spending time with people who share the same talent as me, was a time in my high school career that I will never forget.