District 99 Students Receive Grant from the Illinois Press Foundation

Journalism students at South High School in Downers Grove received a 2022 grant from the Illinois Press Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau. The $1,400 grant will be used to purchase a professional camera and kit for students to take quality photographs. South High is one of 16 grant recipients, including North High School in Downers Grove, from across Illinois this year.

"It's so invigorating to see students engaged in journalism and excited about learning the foundational elements of the craft," said Jeff Rogers, director of the Illinois Press Foundation. Illinois Press Foundation Board of Director Dr. Peggy Bradford visited the school and presented the donation to Emma Fudacz, Ava Lafin and Abigail Culcasi, the editors in chief of Blueprint, the school's award-winning student newspaper.

"Part of my mission when applying for this grant was to make photography more accessible to all students," said Mary Long, English teacher and Blueprint adviser. "Not everyone has a $1,000 camera at home to use. Students are relying on their phones and Chromebooks, and this often produces grainy photographs. Now all students in the class will be able to learn how to use this, take pictures, and diversify their portfolios."

Students at North High School in Downers Grove also received a grant to purchase a camera.

The Illinois Press Foundation is dedicated to promoting and protecting free expression through educational activities that foster the practice and respect of First Amendment principles and values, to enhance the quality of services provided by newspapers to their communities, and to support reading and literacy efforts.

The IPF was established in 1982 as the charitable arm of the Illinois Press Association; it promotes and protects free expression through educational activities. Read more at http://www.illinoispressfoundation.org.