Students in the Journalism program recently competed in a virtual Central Texas Invitational UIL meet. Six Westwood students competed, and four placed in their events.

Senior Stephen Chao, editor of the Horizon, placed first in News Writing with a story prompt about a gymnasium falling into a sinkhole.

“I always enjoy these UIL prompts,” Chao said,” because such interesting things happen in them, whether it be a sinkhole, a heart attack, or collapsing bleachers.” (Yes, Chao has personally written stories on all those topics for UIL contests.)

Freshman Shruti Patil placed sixth in News Writing.

“It was different writing with a time limit,” Patil said. “You had to be able to think faster than you normally do.”

Freshman Emily Chang, a Journalism 1 student, placed first in Feature Writing with a story prompt about a marathon-running teacher who chased down a bicycle thief.

“I was taken aback by the prompt, because it seemed kind of random,” Chang said. “It was fun to write about, though, because it was really engaging, and I think that made it easier.”

Freshman Shefali Arimilli placed third in the same contest. “It was my first UIL competition and so it was surprising when I got the results back,” Arimilli said.

These students will compete again at the Round Rock Invitational Meet later this month.