The Alabama Scholastic Press Association (ASPA)’s state convention is held Feb. 22-23 and the convention is for middle and high school journalism students, teachers and advisors. Sessions and workshops for students and teachers will teach participants how to improve scholastic journalism programs. Guests speakers also give insight on a variety of journalistic forms, including broadcast, online and social media.

This year’s convention helps develop both basic and advanced skills for media students in literary magazine, newspaper, broadcast and multimedia sessions. Friday’s sessions are held in the Ferguson Student Center, and Saturday’s sessions take place in Reese Phifer Hall and the Digital Media Center located in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

This year’s keynote speaker is Sarah Patterson. She is the legendary University of Alabama head coach who led the gymnastics team for 36 seasons and racked up 1,006 wins and 43 postseason championships during her career. Patterson retired in July 2014 but has remained a part of the Alabama Athletics staff as a special assistant to the director of athletics, where she works with the Crimson Tide Foundation. Joining Patterson is Erinn Harris, an English teacher and media mogul who will also speak at the convention.