Sentinel staff members experienced a five day trip in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they travelled to partake in the JEA/NSPA conference.

The conference judged the newspapers of the attending high schools and held workshops aimed at helping students improve their papers and writing.

The Sentinel earned ninth place in the nation in its size group at this conference.

Newspaper did not just travel for the conference, however. In the free time between conference times, the group visited a famous restaurant, a hockey game, and the Mall of America.

The restaurant was called the 5-8 Club, a former speakeasy during the Prohibition that evolved into a famous burger place. It is a popular Minnesota dining option known for its Juicy Lucy burger.

The group also visited a hockey game between NCAA rivals, the University of Minnesota Gophers and the St. Cloud State University Huskies.

Nine newspaper staff members visited the Mall of America, widely regarded as the largest mall in the United States.

The mall not only featured an abundance of shops, but also included a roller coaster, movie theater, and aquarium.

Sea Life, the aquarium on the first floor, has a $22 entry fee and consists of tanks with sharks, rays, turtles, fish, eels, and jellyfish.

The aquarium offers opportunities to see underwater creatures up close, creating a gratifying experience for people of all ages.

The movie theater on the top floor of the mall includes a VIP theater, D-BOX motion seats, and 14 theater rooms.

The visit to the mall concluded the trip.

The group returned on Nov. 20, but had to switch flights due to an impromptu snow storm.