Three in a row: Everitt, Vega earn All-State again
Albany High School graduates Avery Everitt and Julia Vega have been named to the 2025 All-State Journalism Staff by the Interscholastic League Press Conference, marking the third consecutive year both students have received the statewide honor.
Students must earn at least 50 points through ILPC awards and placements in UIL journalism contests to qualify for the staff, which recognizes the top high school journalists from schools of all classifications across Texas.
“I’d like to congratulate the incredible 240 Texas student journalists named to the All-State Journalism Staff,” said Alyssa Boehringer, UIL Journalism and ILPC Director. “And I want to thank all the advisers who entered their students in contests during the 2025 school year.”
Everitt, who served as editor-in-chief of The Lions Roar school newspaper this year, earned 97 individual points through a combination of UIL success in journalism entries and ILPC awards.
“The Lions Roar had a very successful year going from a Bronze Star back to a Silver,” said adviser Donnie Lucas. “Much of that is due to Avery’s leadership. She qualified for UIL regional competition all four years and advanced to state once. Being named to the all-state team is a great way to end an outstanding high school journalism career.”
Vega, Lions Roar photo editor for both her junior and senior years, earned 67 points primarily for her photography contributions in ILPC contest entries.
“Julia took the majority of the photos for The Lions Roar over the past two years,” Lucas said. “She was also part of a team that won a Tops in Texas award as a sophomore for a photo story on the state championship football team. She’s done a great job all three years that she’s been on the newspaper staff, and we’re going to miss her.”
Vega plans to pursue a career in photography and videography.
“Both of these girls have been very active in newspaper and journalism events, so it is gratifying to see them recognized for their hard work,” Lucas said. “This recognition includes all schools ranging from Class 1A through 6A, so as with our newspaper overall Star Award designation, Albany kids are competing against the entire state regardless of school size.”
The Lions Roar has earned 20 consecutive ILPC Star Awards, including eight Gold Stars, nine Silver Stars, and three Bronze Stars.
