Junior Valeria Di Tullio enjoyed a week in Washington D.C. this July after being selected to represent Bensenville, IL as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2024 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.

 

Valeria was joined by a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. All students were chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. Valeria’s focus was on photography.

 

National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. Students also learned from guest speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community, such as prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates who successfully entered the field.

 

Valeria has taken several photo classes here at Fenton with Ms. JoAnna Rieger and she hopes to one day work as a sports photographer. This year Valeria was chosen to be Ms. Rieger’s assistant in teaching the Photo 1 class, a role that is rarely offered. Another big achievement was last year when Valeria’s photo was selected to be the cover of the Fenton High School student planner.

 

Her favorite part of the trip was taking photos of the Capital building and experimenting with different angles, lighting, or neighboring scenery. She said visiting Washington D.C. was a once in a lifetime experience she will never forget. After hearing all the keynote speakers, Valeria said she felt very lucky to learn from so many important industry professionals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thank you to Junior Michael Mroszczak for choosing an Eagle Scout project, as part of Boy Scout Troop 47, that enhances the look of Fenton High School and the experience our students have every day.

 

Michael donated two benches for the Fenton cafeteria courtyard, where students can sit during lunch periods and enjoy the relaxing nature created and maintained by the Fenton Garden Club. He also donated excess fundraising money totalling $310 to the Garden Club for their future learning and beautification activities.

 

Dr. Sam Bentsen and Assistant Principal Julia Bray met with Michael and his father in late May to formally accept both donations.

 

The benches were fabricated with recycled materials and then assembled by Michael and his team the week before May’s final exams.

 

Michael started raising money to buy the benches last summer. Some of his activities included selling Krispy Kreme donuts at Jewel-Osco with great support from the Village of Bensenville, Bensenville Police Department, Bensenville Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop 47, and Bensenville & Wood Dale residents, as well as friends & family. Michael also coordinated a used sneaker/gym shoes collection at the Bensenville Tree Lighting Ceremony, First United Methodist Church, and Fenton High School to recycle the materials for a modest profit.

 

This Eagle Scout project united our community around the betterment of students at Fenton High School. Thank you, Michael, and congratulations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Fenton Teacher Ron Janik and his entire family. Mr. Janik's son, Camden Janik, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates this summer and recently signed his first contract.⁣

 

Fellow teachers and staff celebrated the monumental life event by wearing custom Pittsburgh Pirates t-shirts with "Janik" on the back during today's staff institute day.⁣

 

Camden Janik plays the catcher position and while at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign this past year, he was named to the All-American Third Team as well as the All-Region First Team, and he was All-Big Ten Conference First Team.