Downers Grove North Student Named Illinois Journalist Of The Year

Abigail Murphy — Abbe, to her friends — didn’t expect anything special at school March 1, so it was quite the surprise when the high school senior’s journalism class was overtaken by representatives from the Illinois Journalism Education Association and her family.

She’d been named the 2017 Illinois Journalist of the Year by the association, which holds the annual contest for high school seniors who excel in the craft. Murphy, the contest’s 28th winner since 1989, will receive a $300 cash prize and will be the Illinois representative in JEA’s national Journalist of the Year contest.

She’s also the first-ever winner from Downers Grove.

“We are thrilled that Abbe was selected for this prestigious honor,” Elizabeth Levin, Murphy’s Downers Grove North English teacher, said in a release. “Abbe is a deserving student journalist, and this accomplishment reflects her passion for journalism.”

Murphy is the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Omega, which Levin advises. Downers Grove North Principal Janice Schwarze said Levin should be lauded for Murphy’s accomplishment, as well.

“This recognition is a testament to Abbe’s skill as a journalist,” Downers Grove North Principal Janice Schwarze said in the release. “It is also a testament to the quality of our entire journalism program, so Ms. Levin deserves to be recognized as well for her guidance and hard work.”

Murphy is now eligible to compete in the organization’s national competition for an even higher title. For more information about the program, click here.

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Photos courtesy of Downers Grove North High School