After the regionals competition, student qualifiers competed in State Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA). The event was held Saturday, May 5 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Six students from Conway Springs High School competed in the State KSPA 3A/4A division: seniors Carissa Brozovich, Amanda Smith and Clarissa Snow; junior Alivia Lange; and sophomores Stephanie Brozovich and Adyson Koster.

“I advise people to participate,” Snow said. “It’s actually really fun, and I’ve learned a lot.”

Students can participate in an on-site category, in which they travel to the location, or a carry-in, in which they submit their work ahead of time.

Three students from Conway Springs qualified for an on-site and three for a carry-in. At the state level, the competition grew more difficult. To meet the judges’ standards, students are given a prompt to give knowledge of the expectations. To supplement this, students are also given feedback from their regional submission. Smith was competing for the second time at the state competition.

“Work hard and remember the feedback from regionals and Mrs. Salisbury’s advice,” she said.

The results of the students’ submissions were Tweeted out the day of the event. Smith received an honorable mention in sports writing. However, students were not necessarily disappointed in the results.

“Don’t take a loss to heart,” Cassie said. “Just because you didn’t get first doesn’t mean you didn’t do well.”