As a freshman in high school, stepping into Lab 7, now 2102, senior Estefani Rios didn’t know what she was getting herself into. Taking Paige Hert’s journalism’s class was an unexpected surprise, as she originally took the intro class for it’s photography aspects, but writing soon became her driving passion.

“The thing that really drew me into journalism was the photography element, since that’s what I was really interested in,” Rios said. “But, I truly fell in love with the writing process when I wrote my first feature story that semester and ever since then I have not really stopped.”

Although Rios did not intentionally tap into her true writing abilities, her strengths in writing stories definitely shone through. After turning in her rough draft and making edits, she published her first story in April of her freshman year. As a sophomore, she officially joined the Wolfpack newspaper and Tracks yearbook staff. 

“I had no intention to join both staffs my sophomore year,” Rios said. “I had no space in my schedule for both, however, former editor-in-chief, Deana Trautz, convinced me to take both. Best decision ever.” 

Her career did not stop at her writing abilities, but also transferred into her leading abilities. Rios became a candidate for the position of editor-in-chief of The Wolfpack during her first year on staff  and then received the position her junior year. 

“I remember being in shock,” Rios said. “I was only going to be a junior after all. That first year as editor was incredibly fun, but also very difficult. I had to figure out how I could lead and also be a friend, and also make my own mark on the newspaper.”

In addition to editing, publishing and writing as the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Rios  has managed both the CPHS News Instagram and Twitter accounts for two years. She also led the planning for the newspaper’s Distinguished Status which they recently received again on March 10. 

“We first reached the Distinguished status three years ago,” Rios said. “Being named a distinguished site by our publisher Student Newspapers Online or SNO means we had to earn six badges. One of those badges required us to post at least four articles per week in at least four different categories for four weeks. Another required us to update both our social media accounts every day for four weeks. It took a lot of planning from our group of editors, but receiving recognition and the plaque made it all worth it.”

In addition to her duties for the newspaper, Rios is also in room 2102 for third period yearbook. As a part of the yearbook staff for three years, Rios has worked on numerous spreads from sports to dance to clubs. Her photo portfolio in 2019 earned her an honorable mention for the Interscholastic League Press Conference, or UIL of Journalism.  

“During the first two year on the yearbook staff I really tried to get comfortable with the format of creating the yearbook. There’s deadlines you have to constantly meet and overtimes you have to attend to get pictures for the book, so it was definitely hard to handle the first year,” Rios said. “This year, being a senior, I tried to contribute my experience on a staff that was made up of a lot of underclassmen. Being in the newspaper, I have a good grip on writing captions and copy, so I often took those types of mods on pages. I also tried to help as much as possible with design, it’s not my strong suit, but I definitely tried to ease some of the workload. In the process of creating this book in a virtual environment, I applied myself and my time more than ever. I wasn’t physically present in person, but I wanted to ensure that the staff felt like I was doing my part in creating such a monumental yearbook.”

Over the course of her journalism career, Rios has also received honors like being named LISD’s CTE Student of the Week and also earned five Best of SNO’s for her articles, which are awards are given to articles SNO finds to be well-written and that stand out. 

“It’s such an honor to know that my articles were chosen as some of the best,” Rios said. “SNO has thousands of articles submitted every year, and only a fraction of those are recognized.” 

Rios was most recently named the Texas Online Editor of the Year for 2020-2021 through the Interscholastic League Press Conference.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Rios said. “I felt honored to even be nominated, so to actually receive the title of Editor of the Year blows my mind. Such accomplishment could have not been possible without the help and support of Mrs. Hert and the staff. I’m just incredibly thankful and feel very lucky to be the recipient of the award.”

According to Rios, being part of programs in which deadlines are everything pushed her to manage her time efficiently. She also said that newspaper and yearbook served as the motivation to go to school every day. 

“My time on both staffs was incredibly positive,” Rios said. “While the environment of the newspaper staff is more close-knit, the yearbook staff is the best jumble of personalities that you can’t find anywhere else. There was never a day on either staff that I didn’t laugh at least once. It’s so weird thinking that I won’t see them every day next year, but I know that the bonds I created with some of the people on staff are going to last for years.” 

Following graduation, Rios will be attending ACC in-person and online. She plans to eventually transfer to a four-year university to get a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She said she made this decision to be close to home, to take care of her mental health and because she has enjoyed the ACC classes she took in the past. Although saying goodbye to the programs that have been her second home is difficult, Rios said she is anticipating the future and life after high school.  

“Being editor-in-chief of the Wolfpack has been the most incredible experience of my life,” Rios said. “I’m eternally grateful and thankful to Mrs. Hert and Deana Trautz for giving me the opportunity. The position has not only helped me develop as a writer and leader but also as a person. It will be weird to not have my day to day life surrounded by article deadlines to meet or stories to edit and publish,  but I’m ready for the next step in my life.”