Two UCS seniors named among state's best student journalists

Two Utica Community Schools seniors are named among the best student journalists in Michigan.

Ava Nightingale, of Eisenhower High School, and Natalie Rubel, of Henry Ford II High School, have been named among a select number of students to the Student Journalist Staff by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA).

The pair were selected as student journalists who excel at their student media outlets based on their portfolios. Rubel was honored for yearbook writing and Nightingale for news design.

Nightingale, who plans to pursue an English degree at College of Charleston, is co-editor of Eisenhower’s student newspaper and website, Eagle’s Eye and IkeNews.com, and serves as an admin on the group's social media accounts.

“I'm very thankful to be named to this team,” Nightingale said. “Newspaper means a lot to me and I've really poured my heart and soul into our publication, so I'm extremely grateful to be recognized.”

Her awards include: MIPA 2nd place in News Design, Infographics, and Art; MIPA 1st place in Informative Feature; MIPA 3rd place in Sports Feature; MIPA Sports News Story honorable mention; and Ball State excellent feature story.

Eisenhower publications adviser Erica Kincannon described Nightingale as a committed writer and journalist who always seeks new ways to improve her skills.

“Ava’s love for reading, writing and design developed at what she remembers to be a young age and continues to grow during her time on the school news media staff–which includes production of a print paper, website and multiple social media platforms,” Kincannon said.

Kincannon added: “She pushes herself to find high quality design inspiration from professional media sources, regularly visiting Barnes & Noble to scour magazines for new ideas that she can put her own spin on for our print publication,” she said. “This shows through in the creative covers and centerpieces she’s designed, as well as the cohesive look of the paper."

Rubel currently serves as co-editor in chief and photographer of The Executive, the Henry Ford II yearbook. She has been on staff for the past four years.

“Being named to the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Journalist Staff is more than just a title—it’s a testament to the dedication and passion I’ve found for journalism,” she said. “Since discovering my love for storytelling, I’ve learned the power of capturing moments, informing others, and making a lasting impact through the written word. It is a reminder that every late night, every deadline, and every story has been worth it—because what I’ve written and captured has left a meaningful mark on my school and community."

Rubel has been honored by MIPA over the past three years for her writing, design and photography.

"Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of UCS and the incredible teachers who have guided me along the way,” she said. “Growing up, I faced many challenges, especially with reading and writing,” she said.

Rubel said “Without the encouragement and patience of my teachers, I never would have had the confidence to step foot into the Yearbook classroom at Ford. But from the moment I did, I never looked back. I am especially grateful to my yearbook adviser, Alexis Campion, whose unwavering support and encouragement pushed me to work harder, grow as a leader, and become the Editor-in-Chief I am today. Without her guidance, I never would have discovered the deep love I have for journalism."

Nightingale noted the support the Eisenhower publications program received from adviser Kincannon and principal Brandon Manzella as an underlying reason for her success.

“It's certainly helped me grow my skillset and passion for writing and design, which I'll take with me and continue to grow throughout my career,” she said.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Superintendent Robert S. Monroe

Http://www.uticak12.org