Ava Waggoner - ABOUT ME

My name is Ava Waggoner and I am a senior at Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska! I plan to attend the University of Missouri, where I will be enrolled in their Honors College. I will pursue a double major in Journalism and Neuropsychology.

As the nervous freshman I was, I said nothing when I saw I had been placed in the wrong class—Yearbook instead of Choir 1. I lugged my too heavy backpack to the Journalism Hallway and found room 253: the J Room. I found myself alone, learning that freshmen weren’t supposed to be in the class until second semester and, being the first day of school, no upperclassmen were in the building. It was just the advisor and I, his move-in boxes still crowding the floor. He was just as new to the school as I was. As he interrogated me about my journalistic experience, I wondered if it was too late to turn around and practice my falsetto. I hadn’t a clue about what being on the staff would entail, much less how to be a journalist. Nonetheless, I stayed in the program and, as I look back, I am grateful I made that choice. That one scheduling error gave me a passion and love for journalism that will undoubtedly last my entire life. I now hold the titles of Shield Editor - In - Chief, Shield Design Editor, Wired Design & Graphics Editor and Social Media Manager.

My time in the Journalism department over the past four years has been both one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Through this journey, I have developed a deep passion for journalism and everything it encompasses. I have grown to love photography, design, communication, and reporting, all of which have shaped me both personally and professionally. Along the way, I have met incredible individuals and built lifelong friendships.

Journalism has provided me with opportunities beyond what I ever imagined. I have traveled across the country, gaining real-world experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Competing in competitions, attending conferences, and engaging with industry professionals—such as Stephen Thompson, creator of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, and Jessikka Aro, a Finnish journalist and outspoken critic of pro-Russian propaganda—has been invaluable. Exploring new cities, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and deepening my understanding of the field have all enriched my experience.

However, my time in the program has not been without challenges. Throughout my tenure, we have faced significant obstacles, including the departure of three advisors—one of whom left in the middle of my junior year. This year, my fellow editors and I took on the responsibility of rebuilding the program and maintaining our publications while adjusting to a fourth advisor who is new to journalism. We work tirelessly to manage our workload, support our staff, and build a strong relationship with administration.

Beyond maintaining a sense of community in the department, my role has required me to dedicate countless hours to editing yearbook spreads, managing social media accounts, coordinating with administration, reaching out to teachers and students, communicating with businesses for advertising, and creating original content. While the workload can be overwhelming, every challenge reinforces my commitment to the field.

From difficult meetings where adults dismissed my voice to late nights spent meeting deadlines, from navigating the complexities of publishing sensitive stories to handling criticism over minor errors, every aspect of this experience has been worth it. I am incredibly proud of how far our department has come and equally proud of my personal growth and contributions over the past four years. To say journalism is my passion would be an understatement, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my work.

Journalism Accomplishments/Awards

2025 Nebraska High School Journalist of the Year

Westside High School Shield Member of the Year - 2023 & 2024

Westside High School Journalism Staff Leader of the Year 2023 & 2024

Westside High School Journalism Designer of the Year- 2024

Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contest:

Excellent in Yearbook Layout: Inside Pages