Seven students took part in the Journalism UIL writing competition April 10 at Round Rock High School. Senior Aleah Goldberg placed second in news writing and will advance to regionals.

However, she will not attend because she will be on the band trip to New York City. The first alternate, a student from Pflugerville who placed fourth, with advance in her place.

Two other students also placed in the top six. Senior Caroline Yong placed fifth in the feature writing competition and junior Anna Qi came in sixth in editorial writing.

“This was my second time I competed and I was really surprised to find out that I got fifth because I didn’t expect it at all,” Yong said.

Yong, along with Goldberg, were both surprised by their results.

“While I was writing, I had left over time and then I felt that I hadn’t written a good story,” Goldberg said. “I was shocked I placed second.”

For some competitors, the contest does not have a high stress level.

“I really like UIL competitions because they don’t really have a competitive atmosphere.” Qi said. “You just sit down in front of the computer and type. I like it that way and we also have a lot of fun.”