Illinois student journalists get firsthand experience at the DNC

CHICAGO — They say it’s never too early to learn a craft.

Aishah Khan is experiencing it firsthand by practicing journalism at the Democratic National Convention.

For Khan, cutting her vacation short to be a part of the DNC was a no-brainer.

“It was like a dream come true,” she said.

Khan and Hanna Kucharik, both Niles West students, are among 40 students from 10 Illinois high schools who received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: fully credentialed for the DNC.

“I feel so lucky,” Kucharik said. “I feel so grateful and it’s so cool seeing other journalists who are professionals do their work in the space they were given.”

The move is part of a collaboration between the Chicago Host Committee and the Illinois Journalism Education Association .

After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention .

Day 3 Recap:

The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.

WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.

• Security Zones & Protest Plans: What we know
• Expected speakers this week
• Chicago2024.com | Chicago’s DNC Website
• DemConvention.com | Democratic Convention Official Website

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