In early March, the heart of downtown Tampa transformed into a vibrant hub for young creative minds as students from across the United States gathered with cameras, tripods, and microphones. The occasion was the Student Television Network (STN) National Convention, an annual event held for the first time in its 25-year history at the Tampa Convention Center. This gathering welcomed 3,500 middle and high school students from 186 schools nationwide, providing them with workshops, live competitions, networking opportunities, and leadership development programs. Among these participants were 26 students from Sickles High School who not only competed but also engaged in educational sessions and met peers from distant states like Hawaii and Alaska.

A non-profit organization dedicated to broadcast journalism, film, and multimedia education, STN supports over 40,000 students both domestically and internationally. Prior to the convention, David Pritchard, a teacher at Sickles, diligently prepared his students through year-long practice sessions culminating in multiple 'Crazy 8' drills. These exercises helped students refine their roles and schedules before heading into competition mode. Additionally, STN hosts online challenges throughout the academic year; last November, Sickles earned recognition for a silent film crafted within six days based on a provided theme.

At this year's convention, the journey began with an exhilarating scavenger hunt known as the STN Amazing Race. Following this, students eagerly awaited prompts for the Crazy 8 contest, where they had just eight hours to create complete projects. Katelyn Bryant, a junior at Sickles, cherished her second experience at the convention, enjoying the competitive spirit and camaraderie. Meanwhile, senior Alina Tewksbury, participating in her final convention, valued the opportunity to gain real-world experience among peers sharing her passion for film.

Beyond contests, students attended educational sessions, explored a college fair, and celebrated achievements during two awards ceremonies. A highlight was the inaugural STN CineFest at the historic Tampa Theatre, showcasing student films on the big screen. According to Pritchard, such events provide invaluable exposure to real-world production environments and allow students to demonstrate their skills globally.

Sickles emerged victorious with two accolades: a silver medal for Outstanding Achievement in High School Newsmagazine and an Honorable Mention in the Vertical Short Film contest. With renewed motivation, they aim to excel further at upcoming conventions. Pritchard emphasized the importance of continuous improvement by benchmarking against top-tier institutions nationwide, encapsulating the essence of growth through competition.