Setonians Display Excellence in Journalism: Online Private Schools Press Conference 2022

Twenty-four Setonian representatives participated and won in the Online Private Schools Press Conference 2022, displaying their talents in journalism. The contest was held last November 26, 2022. The Association of Private Schools City of Imus (APSCI) launched the contest in compliance with the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. It followed the theme “Digital Trust and Intuition in Campus Journalism: A Challenge of the New Normal.” This aims to address the gap in campus journalism exposure among private schools and to sustain this scholastic journalism program in times of the pandemic.

Setonians participated in nine categories. These categories include Editorial Writing, News Writing, Copy Reading, Science Writing, Sports Writing, Feature Writing, Photojournalism, Editorial Cartooning, and Column Writing. The contest consists of three brackets: Bracket A for Elementary participants, Bracket B for Junior High School Participants, and Bracket C for Senior High School participants. It was further divided based on the medium, either English or Filipino. 

The contest was held through Zoom, dividing the participants into different meetings based on their respective categories. First, speakers for each category delivered lectures and taught the participants. Next, the participants were given one hour before submitting their final output for judging. On December 3, 2022, a week after the contest, APSCI announced the winners. 

Ms. Maria Aubelle Floranda and Ms. Diana Mape guided and trained the participants in preparation for the contest. Eleven Setonians won first to third place, and thirteen Setonians ranked within the top ten. The Setonians who ranked first are Carmelle Francesca R. Plabasan in Editorial Writing – English, Hannah Angela I. Sacil in Column Writing – Filipino, Patricia Emmanuelle R. Bansil in Column Writing – English, and Kristelle Zoie M. De Guzman in Editorial Cartooning – English. Moreover, Jillian Clarisse A. Ramirez ranked second in News Writing – Filipino. While the Setonians that ranked third are Niña Celina M. De Guzman in News Writing – Filipino, Alexandra Rae D. Esguerra in Editorial Cartooning – Filipino, Juliana Colleen N. Consorio in Editorial Writing – English, Erin Nicole S. Satsatin in News Writing – English, Aaron Jacob M. Baldejera in Feature Writing – English, and Trisha Mae A. Rojales in Copyreading – English.

Despite the new normal, journalism continues to flourish. Through excellence, Setonians have succeeded yet again in representing Elizabeth Seton School – South and have shown brilliance in journalism.