What started as a simple schedule change turned into a life-changing journey for senior Brooklynn Berumez, who was recently named Iowa High School Journalist of the Year by the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA). The award recognized the top journalist in the state and includes a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to represent Iowa in the National Journalist of the Year competition. To win Journalist of the Year, Berumez compiled a professional portfolio website showcasing years of work in writing, photography, leadership and design.
But her journey into journalism wasn’t something she planned.
“I first got involved with our journalism program through what I would call a happy accident,” Berumez said. “Sophomore year, I was trying to change my schedule, and my counselor suggested yearbook.”
At the time, she didn’t expect journalism to become such an impactful part of her life. During her first year on the yearbook, she spent more than a month creating her first spread. After it went through the editing process, “Design Editor, Mariah Slater, left a comment that really resonated with me.”
That encouragement stuck with Berumez and helped her begin to see her potential.
When Berumez first joined the program, she described herself as, “quiet and timid,” unsure of where she belonged. “I didn’t even consider myself a journalist,” she said. “I hated reaching out to people and doing interviews. It was the scariest thing in the world for me.” Over the years, that fear slowly turned into confidence. Through interviews, leadership opportunities, and presentations, Berumez began pushing herself outside her comfort zone. One of the most defining moments came when she traveled alone to a journalism conference in Washington, D.C. “It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done,” she said. “But it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.” That experience helped reignite her passion for journalism and reminded her why she loves journalism.
Today, Berumez is the Editor-in-Chief of the Wahawk Yearbook and is a reporter for the Wahawk Insider, Waterloo West’s student newspaper. She has taken on leadership roles while mentoring younger staff members and helping with yearbook production. According to the Journalism program adviser, Ms. Goodman, watching Berumez grow into a leader has been remarkable. “When she first started, she was a shy sophomore just giving it a shot,” Goodman said. “Over the years, she has built her skills and helped build the skills of everyone around her.¨ Berumez leads not by being the loudest person in the room, but by setting an example. “She leads through kindness and intention,” Goodman said. “Students see that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud. It can be thoughtful and supportive, and that’s powerful.”
One of Berumez’s favorite projects is a photo gallery covering the Iowa Heartlanders hockey team. Photography had always been a ¨weak spot¨, but the opportunity to shadow professional photographer Jason Rubin pushed her to try something new. “I was able to take pictures on the ice,” Berumez said. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
However, the accomplishment she is ¨most proud of by far¨ is completing the 2024–2025 Wahawk Yearbook, “Right Here, Right Now.” The staff faced unexpected challenges during production, but Berumez helped guide the team through the process. “I’m extremely proud of the team,” she said, “They cared about the book just as much as I did.”
Berumez learned she had won Journalist of the Year during lunch in Ms. Goodman’s classroom while waiting for the announcement with her classmates. When the results were posted online, she refreshed the page and saw her photo. “At first, my heart dropped because I didn’t fully comprehend what happened,” she said, “Then it started to click.” Her classmates were ¨jumping up and down, and screaming¨
Berumez becomes Waterloo West’s third Journalist of the Year in a row, following previous winners Ali Parkhurst and Kaylynn Crawford. While the recognition highlights the journalism program´s strength, Goodman says Berumez’s achievement stands on its own. “She came in ready to learn and challenged herself every year,” Goodman said. “This award is a testament to the work she has put in and the growth she has shown.”
“It felt surreal. Even now, when I see the announcement, I still can’t believe it happened.” Said Berumez
As part of the application process, Berumez created a portfolio website highlighting her work across multiple areas of journalism, including writing, photography, design, and leadership. The site showcases the dedication she has poured into the program over the past three years. After graduating, Berumez plans to continue pursuing journalism in college. Her top choices currently include the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Missouri. For students who might be considering journalism themselves, she offers simple advice. “Stick with it and take a chance.” “Trying new things can be scary, but journalism teaches you valuable lessons and gives you opportunities you might never expect,” she shares.
From a shy sophomore unsure of her place to Iowa’s top high school journalist, Berumez’s journey shows how powerful opportunities can be.
