The Orange County Journalism Education Association (OCJEA) Write-Offs is an annual competition where students are given one hour to produce content based on a chosen category. The categories consist of news, editorial, feature, sports, critical review, newspaper layout and much more. The 2026 Write-offs were held at Northwood High School in Irvine on Saturday Feb. 21.
Middle College High School’s journalism program, The Spellbinder, had participated in this competition last year, winning 8th place in News. Being invited again this year, a total of five students participated in the Write-Offs. They competed in four categories: news, editorial, features, and news photography.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m., the students worked hard to produce the best content possible within an hour. Their efforts were recognized and rewarded when Isabella Murillo placed 9th in Features and Damian Mondragon placed 4th in News Photography.
Junior Isabella Murillo, a rising co-editor-in-chief, explains her mindset going into the competition and her overall experience.
“I really just wanted to focus on being able to write a good story that was short, concise and captures what they wanted. But I also wanted to have fun…this time it was a lot calmer and a really fun experience. I would suggest anyone to do it if they are in journalism,“ Murillo said.
Junior Damian Mondragon, a rising co-editor-in-chief, shares his experience in the photography category.
“The experience of the OC Write-offs was fun and a little challenging. I was intimidated by the other contestants because they had better quality cameras and lenses. But, I really tried hard and I got fourth place which isn’t bad. I was proud of myself,“ Mondragon said.
Mondragon was the very first student in The Spellbinder history to compete in photography at the OCJEA Write-Offs. Being able to place is a big accomplishment for both himself and Middle College's journalism class.
Mrs. Storms, the teacher for the journalism class at Middle College, expressed her excitement for the winners.
“I am especially proud of our two winners. And in particular Damian, our photographer, being the first photography competitor from Middle College winning fourth in News Photography. It was amazing,” Mrs. Storms said.
The 2026 Write-Offs for Middle College High School was a valuable opportunity. The participants got to challenge their writing and journalism skills and some got rewarded. Mrs. Storms shares her final thoughts on the competition.
“I am very satisfied and pleased with how we did last Saturday. The most important thing was that all five of you had a lot of fun and enjoyed the experience of competing,“ Mrs. Storms said.
