Penn High School students meet Hillary Clinton

Journalism students at Penn High School got a big break Tuesday, as Washington politics made a stop in their backyard.

Students of the Penn News Network got the opportunity to cover Hillary Clinton’s campaign speech in Mishawaka.

“It was, journalistically, the opportunity of a lifetime, not only to be in the environment of the speech but also shake Secretary Clinton’s hand,” said Penn High Senior, Emily Ventne. “The whole team was just honored that we were allowed to go, let alone, meet the presidential hopeful of course, we’re just thrilled and overwhelmed with the attention.”

While all eyes were on Clinton’s visit to AM General Tuesday.

Mishawaka’s community proudly tuned in to a student program that capitalized on the opportunity.

“They did a great job, it was a lot of fun to be in the press core rubbing elbows with professionals,” said Kevin McNulty, ENL and mass media studies teacher.

For a day three Penn High student pros got to experience the highs and lows of being a true media professional.

“How many high school students get to go out and do that kind of thing?” said senior Tyler Clifton.

And after a long day of coverage, the work continued in their school’s studio in order to share their story with others.

“We just really came together and got everything done,” said junior Cameron Carpenter.

 It’s one class and one memorable moment they’ll never forget.

“I hope that PNN can leave a lasting impression on Penn because of this,” said Ventne.