Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Midtown High School - The Southerner Entry Title: Apalachee High School shooting shakes community, sparks state-wide threats Entry Credit: Sierra Pape, Brennan Fritts Judge Comment: This article shows a mastery of journalistic writing. The writers tackled a difficult topic with care and did a great job creating a well-rounded story while maintaining clarity and interest. It is clear that the writers spent time doing thorough reporting and localizing the shooting to their school and community.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Clarke Central High School - ODYSSEY Media Group Entry Title: Event Coverage: CCHS walkout Entry Credit: Mzée Pavli? Judge Comment: This is a strong event coverage that shows the student understands journalistic principles and has an eye for what is important in a story. The quotes added emotion and were well-placed throughout the story when appropriate. The writer also did a good job showcasing everything that happened, including the observation of the students that weren’t paying attention.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Clements High School - The RoundUp Entry Title: Away from the virtual world, a step closer to reality: The no cell phone policy Entry Credit: Shubhi Bhagat Judge Comment: This is a strong story on a relevant topic. The writer utilizes a variety of perspectives and does a great job using quotes, data and graphics to showcase the impact of the decision to ban cell phones.
Place Name: Fourth Place Contestant Name: Clarke Central High School - ODYSSEY Media Group Entry Title: Breaking news: CCSD, CCHS host safety assemblies Entry Credit: Wyatt Meyer Judge Comment: It’s important to know how to report on a tragic event that impacts your community. This story is relevant and does a good job going beyond just a single event to explain what is happening. It also has good photos and helpful multimedia.
Place Name: Fifth Place Contestant Name: Cedar Shoals High School - BluePrints Entry Title: Automotive teacher David Darden wins $50,000 grant Entry Credit: Kenia Gonzalez-Chavez Judge Comment: The lede of this story immediately drew me in. The reporter did a fantastic job of taking a subject that seems more simple and turning it into a story that emotionally engages the reader. The video and photos also helped add to the story.
