The Southern Interscholastic Press Association has named Tupelo High School senior Louis Conley a 2025 SIPA Star. 

Conley is the executive producer of the WTHS Media broadcast program at his school and carries responsibility across each area of production. He participates in writing scripts, reporting on air, filming and editing before publication. His adviser, Katrina Berry-Ivy, nominated him as a SIPA Star for his mentorship and encouragement of others.  

“His gift is encouraging others, and he is a joy to have in class,” Berry-Ivy said.  

Conley has collected several accolades on WTHS – he was a finalist for Best Weather Anchor and Best Entertainment Podcast for the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association. He is also a member of the Quill and Scroll International Journalism Honor Society.  

Conley’s journey into broadcast journalism began unexpectedly after a chance encounter with Berry-Ivy at a gas station. She told Conley he had a great voice and camera presence and encouraged him to try broadcast. 

“I did it, and I’ve loved it ever since,” Conley said. 

Conley encourages others to explore journalism programs because they help reserved people come out of their shell.  

“It helps you learn how to speak in front of people,” Conley said. “It’s a great thing because you need to learn how to speak.”

Work samples:

SIPA Stars is a showcase series that spotlights individual students, celebrates their content and exemplifies good Southern journalism at work in scholastic classrooms. 

An adviser or editor can recommend a student to be a SIPA Star through a short application process. We will create web and social media posts and letters to principals and local media outlets to identify and spotlight the student selected.