Joining Scholastic Publications and writing for the Hawk Eye was a decision senior Ava Cerro made this year. With plans to study journalism in college, Ava saw the class as the first step toward her future and a head start to develop the skills she’ll need moving forward.
Although she joined with college preparation in mind, the importance of her work kept her involved. She quickly realized the impact of sharing stories in the school community. Through her writing, she found purpose in covering a wide variety of topics, from BPHS news to WWE current events.
One of Ava’s favorite topics to write about has been student spotlights.
“I liked doing student spotlights the most because I wanted to share just how different students are at Bethel Park and their unique accomplishments,” she explains.
She used the spotlights as an opportunity to recognize a variety of students for their efforts. Her passion for the topic is clear in the way she approaches her work, always striving to be detailed and thorough in every article she writes.
Being a part of the newspaper also offered Ava a different kind of classroom experience. She describes it as a hands-on environment that gave her a break from traditional schoolwork. At the same time, it challenged her in new ways. Some days, balancing writing with other responsibilities felt overwhelming, but Ava stayed motivated by reminding herself of her goals.
Throughout her time in the club, Ava has grown into a more in-depth writer, ensuring her articles fully capture each story. She also discovered something: there is always a story to tell if you are willing to search for it. Her favorite memories include hearing the wide range of opinions from her classmates.
If she had to describe her experience in one word, Ava chose “eventful,” explaining that there is always something happening in the classroom. She encourages underclassmen to join, emphasizing that journalism is a powerful way to learn about others and share stories that might otherwise go unheard. She believes that being open to new experiences is one of the most important qualities for success in the field.
After graduation, Ava will attend Penn State Main Campus, where she plans to study journalism and film production to become a sports broadcaster. Looking back, one moment that stands out to her is the feeling of submitting an article and being proud of the final product, a simple but meaningful reminder of her growth.
If she could give her freshman self advice, Ava says she would remind herself to stay open-minded and recognize that there is always more to learn.
Ava Cerro’s time in the newspaper may have just started this year, but her passion and commitment to journalism have already made a strong impression. As she moves forward, there’s no doubt she’ll continue sharing stories that inform and connect with readers.
