Schools
Whiz Kid: Shane Gustafson
This IHSA Journalism Competition medalist wrote his own Whiz Kids profile.
Editor's note: This week's Whiz Kid wrote his own feature. Welcome Shane Gustafson of North High School's Omega newspaper and WDGC Radio.
Whiz Kid of the Week: Shane Gustafson, 18, of Woodridge
School: Downers Grove North High School
Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Accomplishment: I competed in the IHSA state journalism competition, in which I participated in broadcast newswriting. I came in first place in the region at Lewis University and third place in the state at Eastern Illinois University.
Key to Awesomeness I started broadcasting on WDGC, the school radio station, when I was a sophomore at North and I started off doing sports announcing. I was the sports announcer and, later, sports director for WDGC for three years, which was an incredible experience.
Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I got to meet, interview and work with the wonderful members of the Downers Grove community. I soon began broadcasting on the radio outside of sports, co-hosting a show with my brother, Jordan, on Thursday afternoons and hosting a morning radio show from 8-9 a.m., as well.
During that time, I had the wonderful experience of working with the community, the school and the other extraordinary students and teachers at Downers Grove North and South high schools.
When I started writing for The Omega, the school newspaper, I learned how to write exciting articles the school would enjoy. I found out there was a competition for journalism, and when I found out there was a broadcasting component, I had to take advantage of it.
After finishing in the top five in the nation for sports play-by-play, I knew I would have a decent shot at winning something. And it turns out, I came in 1st place in the region and 3rd place in the state.
It was an incredible experience to win these awards and I thank everybody who helped and supported me during this. I especially would like to thank Mr. John Waite, Mr. Barry Goldman. Mr. Kyle Gullotto and Mr. Sam Carroll, who helped me out so much at WDGC and gave me the knowledge to succeed up to this point.
Mrs. Elizabeth Levin helped me out so much with journalistic writing and helped me win the award. And, of course, my family for supporting me with my radio experience. I am looking forward to continuing in radio and journalism at Lewis University in the fall.
