Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Cedar Shoals High School - BluePrints Entry Title: Sowing skills Entry Credit: Eva Lucero Judge Comment: None
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Cedar Shoals High School - BluePrints Entry Title: Homestyle on the Eastside Entry Credit: Kira Law Judge Comment: None
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Clarke Central High School - ODYSSEY News Magazine Entry Title: The Capcha equation Entry Credit: Abby Holloway Judge Comment: None
Competition Comment: Sowing Skills: This is a solidly built story and I appreciate the writer's technique. The writer's decision to open with a scene-setting lede demonstrates an understanding of what it takes to hook the reader. And by opening with a scene from modern day, flashing back to the past and then returning to the present, the writer also understands that narrative doesn't need to be strictly chronological. I also appreciate the quote choices -- Throne's personality shines through in her voice.
Homestyle on the Eastside: A writer can get lucky and get colorful quotes, but it takes skill to weave those quotes together into a story as this writer has. I appreciate the balance of past and present, and showing how Lahey sees connections between the restaurant business and music helps in building out his personality for readers.
The Capcha Equation: A less skilled writer would have led with Kevin completing the MIT program and would have focused on what he did/learned. What I appreciate about this writer's approach is the deeper focus on WHY Kevin was compelled to do the summer program, and that makes for a much stronger story.
