(L to R) Mr. Roush, Isabel Barletta, Christ Villalona, Dion Champion and workshop leader Katina Paron
On April 25, 2025, three rising media stars from Harry S Truman High School attended the NYC Public High School Journalism Conference at Baruch College. The full-day event brought together students from across the city for a deep dive into the world of professional journalism.
Freshman Dion Champion and sophomores Isabel Barletta and Christ Villalona represented Truman with curiosity and confidence as they took part in a series of interactive workshops led by industry pros. Sessions ranged from how to choose interesting stories, and interviewing subjects to copyright rules and photojournalism—offering hands-on experience and real-world insight into the fast-evolving media landscape.
“It was inspiring to see our students engage directly with seasoned journalists and gain insights into the craft,” said media teacher Mr. Roush, who accompanied the group. “This kind of exposure is invaluable, especially for young creators finding their voice.”
Hosted by Baruch’s Department of Journalism and the Writing Professions, the annual conference helps equip high school journalists with the tools, perspective, and mentorship needed to thrive in the digital age.
We’re proud of Dion, Isabel, and Christ for representing Truman with professionalism and passion—and we’re excited to see where their storytelling journeys take them next.