Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Catawba Ridge High School - CRN-TV Entry Title: Maddie Crider Reporter Reel Entry Credit: Maddie Crider Judge Comment: Maddie Crider’s story about teacher retention was insightful and interesting. Her delivery was solid. The pace was good. Nice use of natural sound at the beginning. Maddie states the problem early in the story that teachers are leaving the profession, which involves some research on Maddie’s part, and then she explores the problem and looks for solutions. The big surprise was the teacher who said administrators believe wearing jeans is fair compensation for their work. That was memorable and sad at the same time. Maddie’s standup at the desk effectively transitioned to the topic of why teachers stay when others are leaving. The conclusion is somewhat emotional, as teachers tell of their love for students. Maddie clearly put a lot of effort into this story, interviewing five people to produce it.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Horse Creek Academy - HCA Today Entry Title: Abigail Turner Entry Credit: Abigail Turner Judge Comment: Abigial Turner’s story demonstrated courage. Her story focused on the protest in Philadelphia about the outcome of the presidential election. Covering a protest can be risky, especially when people are getting arrested. I was impressed that she convinced a witness to talk to her, even though she clearly did not want to be on camera. But Abigail still got the interview, and it was a good one. The interviews with protesters were insightful, as they expressed their frustration with the election result. Some of the shots in this story were memorable – police on horseback and an officer detaining a man on the sidewalk. Good delivery and pace. Interesting story to watch.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Tupelo High School - WTHS Media Entry Title: Reporter - Rylie Robinson Entry Credit: Rylie Robinson Judge Comment: Rylie Robinson produced a nice profile story about gymnast Morgan Brown. Rylie uses some good storytelling techniques to produce this interesting story. The opening shot of Brown’s routine across the mats was a nice attention-getter. Good use of file family photos that prove Brown has loved the sport since she was a little girl. Nice interview with Brown, who talks about what motivates her. At one point, Rylie stopped her narration and let us simply watch Brown’s athletic ability on the high beam. Moments like that can make a story memorable. Rylie added another layer to the story, as we meet Brown’s mother who is clearly supportive and proud. And the ending points to the future, as we learn of Brown’s goal to one day compete in the Olympics. Well done.
