Feng receives NINA high school scholarship

by Pat Szpekowski, NINA president Victoria Feng photo credit/Alicia Johnson, Alicia's Photography We are pleased to announce that Victoria Feng of Buffalo Grove, a recent graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Vernon Hills, has been awarded this year’s $1,000 NINA John Etheredge High School Scholarship. The scholarship is now named in honor of…

NIU Student Journalist joins NINA Board

by Pat Szpekowski, APR - NINA President NINA is proud of its legacy and affiliation with Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. The roots of our organization were formed here and NINA has grown and prospered over the years. As we celebrate NINA’s 60th in 2022, you might have noticed our tagline for this anniversary year…

Young journalists shine during NINA panel

by Dan Campana Remember, the light at the end of the tunnel may be you. That line – a kicker to close out the album version of Aerosmith’s 1993 hit “Amazing” – came to mind as the NINA Virtual Awards Celebration wrapped up on Oct. 28. It’s an optimistic, introspective sentence which reminds us all…

A sign of champions

By Pat Szpekowski, NINA first vice president When driving to a destination, I usually catch a casual glance of signs when entering a new community. Cities and Villages proudly post accomplishments. You've seen them, too. Tree City USA. Hebron, Home of 1952 State Basketball Champions. Carpentersville-Bradie Tennell U.S. Olympic Champion. Algonquin-Jacobs High School alumnus Evan…

Awards season brings NINA community together

Dan Campana by Dan Campana, NINA President Any way you talk about the last 19 months – personally and professionally – the word “challenge” likely pops up at some point.At the same time, words such as adapt, overcome and persevere are also fitting when considering how in the world we’ve collectively endured so much uncertainty…

Power of the local press

by Pat SzpekowskiNINA 1st Vice President Community journalism is a win-win for everyone. During a recent board meeting I attended at the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce in Carpentersville, a number of matters were on the agenda for review. Past and upcoming local events always bring on a lively discussion. I happened that day…

NINA Opens Competition For 2020 High School Journalist of The Year

The Northern Illinois Newspaper Association will award a $1,000 scholarship this spring to the high school senior picked by the association as the 2020 Northern Illinois High School Journalist of the Year. The scholarship winner will receive a commemorative plaque and recognition that will stand out on their college applications and resume. NINA President Margarita…

Time Is Running Out: Register Now For NINA’s ‘Trusting News’ Workshop

BY JASON AKST, MA, INSTRUCTOR, NIU DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION "The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it." — George Orwell Time is running out to register for "Trusting News," a half-day seminar of strategies for news organizations to build/rebuild trust between us and the audiences we…

Trusting News — Sept. 21 NINA Workshop Tells You How To Earn It … Or Win It Back

Act fast if you want to RSVP to this groundbreaking NINA workshop. It's free, but space is limited to 50 people.

Grab Some Glory: Enter The 2019 NINA News Competition

"True glory consists in doing what deserves to be written, in writing what deserves to be read, and in so living as to make the world happier and better for our living in it."