Senior offensive lineman Erick Zapata prepares to go back in a home game last fall. He was first-team all-district. (Photo by Maya Ortiz)

Senior Erick Zapata spent four years on the varsity offensive line. With his parents as a fixture in the stands each week, he worked to make them proud. He struggled getting college offers due to size expectations and cultural stereotypes.

The sports story was one of five pieces I submitted as my 2023 Writer of the Year Portfolio that was named fourth in the nation by the National Scholastic Press Association. It also earned the Best of SNO distinction.