WEST HARTFORD, Conn., U.S.A. – Young writers, photographers and artists from nine nations captured awards in the Youth Journalism International 2014 Excellence in Journalism contest.
“It’s inspiring to see so much promise from young journalists around the world,” said YJI’s Executive Director Jackie Majerus. “We’re excited to be able to recognize it with this contest.”
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| Maureen Langley |
Maureen Langley of Bloomington,
Indiana, is the 2014 Student Journalist of the Year.
Indiana, is the 2014 Student Journalist of the Year.
Langley, who will be a senior at the
school next fall, said she likes every aspect of journalism – the design, the
photography, the editing, writing and interviewing.
school next fall, said she likes every aspect of journalism – the design, the
photography, the editing, writing and interviewing.
“I like to make people sweat when I
ask them questions,” Langley said.
ask them questions,” Langley said.
Her advisor, Ryan Gunterman, called
Langley the best in a long line of top-notch students.
Langley the best in a long line of top-notch students.
“She
is never satisfied with simply getting material completed, and lives every day
under the philosophy of ‘Good enough is never good or enough,’“ said Gunterman.
“She’s not a student journalist. She is a journalist.”
is never satisfied with simply getting material completed, and lives every day
under the philosophy of ‘Good enough is never good or enough,’“ said Gunterman.
“She’s not a student journalist. She is a journalist.”
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Teacher Michelle Harmon,
right, with Brazilian exchange
student Beatriz Lanfranchi
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Michelle Harmon, who teaches at Borah
High School in Boise, Idaho, is the 2014 Journalism Educator of the Year.
High School in Boise, Idaho, is the 2014 Journalism Educator of the Year.
Joy Wilson, who will be a co-editor
next fall in Harmon’s program, said Harmon, who has taught journalism at the
school for a decade, advocates for students in journalism and in life.
next fall in Harmon’s program, said Harmon, who has taught journalism at the
school for a decade, advocates for students in journalism and in life.
“She’s one of the most amazing women
I’ve ever met in my entire life,” said Wilson. “She knows what she’s doing.
It’s an honor to work under her.”
I’ve ever met in my entire life,” said Wilson. “She knows what she’s doing.
It’s an honor to work under her.”
The top award for newswriting, the
Frank Keegan “Take No Prisoners” Award for News, went to Emily Muñoz of
Pflugerville High School, Pflugerville, Texas, for an in-depth piece she wrote
about rampant cheating in her school.
Frank Keegan “Take No Prisoners” Award for News, went to Emily Muñoz of
Pflugerville High School, Pflugerville, Texas, for an in-depth piece she wrote
about rampant cheating in her school.
The highest award in opinion writing,
the Jacinta Marie Bunnell Award for Commentary, went to Nawall Hassan, a
student at Jeddah International School in Saudi Arabia. A Boston native, Hassan
wrote about the grief she felt when terrorists bombed the Boston Marathon.
the Jacinta Marie Bunnell Award for Commentary, went to Nawall Hassan, a
student at Jeddah International School in Saudi Arabia. A Boston native, Hassan
wrote about the grief she felt when terrorists bombed the Boston Marathon.
The annual contest, now in its fifth
year, recognized student writing and reporting, art, photo and multi-media skills
in more than two dozen news, sports and opinion categories.
year, recognized student writing and reporting, art, photo and multi-media skills
in more than two dozen news, sports and opinion categories.
“As in past years, this year’s
judging was not easy,” said Wendy Riling, a Florida photographer who donates
her time each year to review entries. “The photos submitted were fresh and
insightful.”
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| Emily Muñoz |
In keeping with the nature of Youth
Journalism International, an educational non-profit organization with students
around the world, a diverse group of nearly two dozen judges from several
continents carefully evaluated the hundreds of entries that poured in from
around the globe.
Journalism International, an educational non-profit organization with students
around the world, a diverse group of nearly two dozen judges from several
continents carefully evaluated the hundreds of entries that poured in from
around the globe.
Judge Mariechen Puchert of Cape Town,
South Africa, said she looked at the content, impact and style in each piece
and found it challenging because of the high quality of the work submitted.
South Africa, said she looked at the content, impact and style in each piece
and found it challenging because of the high quality of the work submitted.
“It was a privilege and honor to
review the work of so many talented students, said Lynn Abrahamson of Maryland,
another judge.
review the work of so many talented students, said Lynn Abrahamson of Maryland,
another judge.
In all, more than 100 awards are
going to 74 teens from 12 U.S. states and the countries of Scotland, Vietnam,
Egypt, Pakistan, Japan, Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
going to 74 teens from 12 U.S. states and the countries of Scotland, Vietnam,
Egypt, Pakistan, Japan, Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
Youth Journalism International has
been educating the next generation of news professionals and talented teens
since 1994. Formally incorporated in 2007, it is a 501(c)(3) educational
non-profit public charity. Its website can be found at www.youthjournalism.org.
been educating the next generation of news professionals and talented teens
since 1994. Formally incorporated in 2007, it is a 501(c)(3) educational
non-profit public charity. Its website can be found at www.youthjournalism.org.
The contest covered work published in
English between Jan. 1, 2013 and Dec. 31, 20132. Those
eligible must be 19 or under and not working professionally.
English between Jan. 1, 2013 and Dec. 31, 20132. Those
eligible must be 19 or under and not working professionally.
For more information, please contact
Jackie Majerus, Youth Journalism International’s executive director, at (860) 523-9632 in Connecticut or write to jmajerus@youthjournalism.org.
Jackie Majerus, Youth Journalism International’s executive director, at (860) 523-9632 in Connecticut or write to jmajerus@youthjournalism.org.
A complete list of winners, along
with judges’ comments in italics, is below and also posted online at www.youthjournalism.org.
with judges’ comments in italics, is below and also posted online at www.youthjournalism.org.
STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER:Maureen Langley, Bloomington High School
North, Bloomington, IN
Maureen’s work shows that she excels not only as a writer, but a
photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. She found a way to make the
Boston Marathon bombings resonate with readers faraway in Indiana when she
tracked down former students from her school who were in Boston that day and
captured their stories. Her photos are stunning, her web design impressive. The
personal essays she wrote are thoughtful and probing. She is a terrific example
of a promising young journalist who represents the future of the profession. We
look forward to seeing what Maureen does next with her considerable talents.
photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. She found a way to make the
Boston Marathon bombings resonate with readers faraway in Indiana when she
tracked down former students from her school who were in Boston that day and
captured their stories. Her photos are stunning, her web design impressive. The
personal essays she wrote are thoughtful and probing. She is a terrific example
of a promising young journalist who represents the future of the profession. We
look forward to seeing what Maureen does next with her considerable talents.
FINALIST: Anisha Datta, Glencoe High School,
Hillsboro, OR
Hillsboro, OR
FINALIST: Sabrina Leung, Carlmont High School,
Redwood City, California
Redwood City, California
FINALIST: Michelle Chavez, University of
Maryland
Maryland
JOURNALISM EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR WINNER:
Michelle Harmon, Borah High School,
Boise, Idaho
Michelle Harmon, Borah High School,
Boise, Idaho
Ms. Harmon’s decade of dedication to The Senator, its staff and other
students at Borah High School make her an excellent choice for Journalism
Educator of the Year. She shows compassion for and trust in her students while
holding them to high ethical and performance standards. Year after year, her journalism
students tackle tough subjects and produce a school paper of consistently high
quality. They also maintain a solid online presence. Her work with her students
would be enough to warrant this honor, but Ms. Harmon goes beyond the classroom
and is actively involved in the Journalism Education Association, ensuring that
she stays on the cutting edge of her profession. This and other outreach in the
journalism education world makes her a leader in the field and an incredible
source of support not only for her young journalists but for other teachers as
well.
students at Borah High School make her an excellent choice for Journalism
Educator of the Year. She shows compassion for and trust in her students while
holding them to high ethical and performance standards. Year after year, her journalism
students tackle tough subjects and produce a school paper of consistently high
quality. They also maintain a solid online presence. Her work with her students
would be enough to warrant this honor, but Ms. Harmon goes beyond the classroom
and is actively involved in the Journalism Education Association, ensuring that
she stays on the cutting edge of her profession. This and other outreach in the
journalism education world makes her a leader in the field and an incredible
source of support not only for her young journalists but for other teachers as
well.
FINALIST:
Justin Raisner, The Highlander, Carlmont
High School, Belmont, CA
Justin Raisner, The Highlander, Carlmont
High School, Belmont, CA
Special
Recognition: Yannick Florest, Supervising School Aide, Beginning with Children
Charter School, Brooklyn NY
Recognition: Yannick Florest, Supervising School Aide, Beginning with Children
Charter School, Brooklyn NY
FRANK KEEGAN “TAKE NO PRISONERS”
AWARD FOR NEWS
AWARD FOR NEWS
WINNER:Emily Muñoz,
“Academic Dishonesty,” Pflugerville High School, Pflugerville, TX
Emily’s in-depth and hard-hitting
story about rampant cheating in her Texas high school pulled no punches. She
snagged interviews not only with teachers who had a range of views on academic
dishonesty, but with students, including one who admitted to cheating. She
didn’t stop at the high school door, but pursued university officials and
college students at two Texas universities. Going that extra distance served
her high school readers. Her story educated them about how differently cheating
is viewed and handled at the college level compared to what they see in their
high school. Emily’s story represents the kind of tough journalism espoused by Frank Keegan, for whom this award is named.
story about rampant cheating in her Texas high school pulled no punches. She
snagged interviews not only with teachers who had a range of views on academic
dishonesty, but with students, including one who admitted to cheating. She
didn’t stop at the high school door, but pursued university officials and
college students at two Texas universities. Going that extra distance served
her high school readers. Her story educated them about how differently cheating
is viewed and handled at the college level compared to what they see in their
high school. Emily’s story represents the kind of tough journalism espoused by Frank Keegan, for whom this award is named.
JACINTA MARIE BUNNELL AWARD FOR
COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY
WINNER:
Nawall Hassan, “From Saudi Arabia, Boston Born American Muslim Grieves Marathon
Bombing Victims,” Jeddah International School, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Nawall Hassan, “From Saudi Arabia, Boston Born American Muslim Grieves Marathon
Bombing Victims,” Jeddah International School, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
In her piece, “From
Saudi Arabia, Boston Born American Muslim Grieves Marathon Bombing Victims,” Nawall Hassan writes movingly about the cherished memories she has of
growing up in her hometown of Boston and the grief she felt after the Boston
Marathon bombings. At the time of the bombings, Nawall was living in Saudi
Arabia, watching the story unfold from afar. Her poignant work wrestles with
her own struggle to come to grips with the attack, deftly balancing her role as
part of two distinct countries and cultures as she hopes and prays that the
terrorists are not fellow Muslims.
Saudi Arabia, Boston Born American Muslim Grieves Marathon Bombing Victims,” Nawall Hassan writes movingly about the cherished memories she has of
growing up in her hometown of Boston and the grief she felt after the Boston
Marathon bombings. At the time of the bombings, Nawall was living in Saudi
Arabia, watching the story unfold from afar. Her poignant work wrestles with
her own struggle to come to grips with the attack, deftly balancing her role as
part of two distinct countries and cultures as she hopes and prays that the
terrorists are not fellow Muslims.
FINALIST: Jennifer Neufeld, “Common Apprehensions,”
Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, New York
Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, New York
FINALIST: Teo Armus-Laski, for Commentary
Series, New York, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY
Series, New York, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY
HIGH HONORS
NEWS – Individual reporting
FIRST PLACE: Rachel Kuhr, Juan Diego Catholic High School, Draper, Utah. “Draper Resident Fights Lifelong Battle with Rare Disease”
Rachel wins for both her sensitive take on a difficult
subject and well as her ability to explain complicated diseases in a way anyone
could understand.
subject and well as her ability to explain complicated diseases in a way anyone
could understand.
SECOND PLACE: Wonik Son, Trinity School, NY, but he
lives in Fort Lee, NJ for “Who Wore it Best? Not Trinity Students, Apparently”
lives in Fort Lee, NJ for “Who Wore it Best? Not Trinity Students, Apparently”
Wonik did a great job getting a range of opinions about the
dress code, including the gender politics angle.
dress code, including the gender politics angle.
HONORABLE MENTION: Walter Mulroy, International School
of Kenya, Nairobi, “Kenyans bracing for election”
of Kenya, Nairobi, “Kenyans bracing for election”
An interesting look at the practical problems, such as getting to school, that happen as part of a politically turbulent place.
NEWS – Team reporting (multiple
byline)
byline)
FIRST
PLACE: Mary Majerus-Collins, Celeste Kurz, Erez
Bittan, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Hall
High School and Conard High School, West Hartford, CT, for “Nobel Peace PrizeWinner Archbishop Desmond Tutu Believes in Young People“
PLACE: Mary Majerus-Collins, Celeste Kurz, Erez
Bittan, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, Hall
High School and Conard High School, West Hartford, CT, for “Nobel Peace PrizeWinner Archbishop Desmond Tutu Believes in Young People“
SECOND
PLACE: Teo Armus-Laski, Melissa Rodman, Horace
Mann School, Bronx, NY, “Alumni Urge School to Investigate Abuse Charges”
PLACE: Teo Armus-Laski, Melissa Rodman, Horace
Mann School, Bronx, NY, “Alumni Urge School to Investigate Abuse Charges”
ENTERPRISE – (individual byline)
FIRST
PLACE: Sophia Slater, The American School in Japan, “Tibet freedom struggleseries”
PLACE: Sophia Slater, The American School in Japan, “Tibet freedom struggleseries”
Sophia Slater’s series of
interviews with leading Tibetan luminaries shed light on their hope, courage
and creativity. She asked good questions and solicited insightful answers.
interviews with leading Tibetan luminaries shed light on their hope, courage
and creativity. She asked good questions and solicited insightful answers.
SECOND
PLACE: Anisha Datta, Glencoe High School, Hillsboro, Oregon, “Controlling
Contraceptives”
PLACE: Anisha Datta, Glencoe High School, Hillsboro, Oregon, “Controlling
Contraceptives”
ENTERPRISE (team)
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First Place in the Enterprise
team reporting category went to this data spread in The Phillipian. |
FIRST
PLACE: The Phillipian staff, Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., for News Data
Spread, “State of the Academy”
PLACE: The Phillipian staff, Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., for News Data
Spread, “State of the Academy”
What a good-looking, solid and
informative graphic spread the “State of the Academy” is! The Phillipian and
its staff have every reason to be proud of putting together a well-researched
portrait of their school, done with style and simplicity. A very professional
effort.
informative graphic spread the “State of the Academy” is! The Phillipian and
its staff have every reason to be proud of putting together a well-researched
portrait of their school, done with style and simplicity. A very professional
effort.
SECOND
PLACE: Brittany Kriegstein, Will Duke, Olivia Fine and Cameron Hellerman, Friends
Academy, Locust Valley, NY, “Cheating at Friends Academy: An Expose”
PLACE: Brittany Kriegstein, Will Duke, Olivia Fine and Cameron Hellerman, Friends
Academy, Locust Valley, NY, “Cheating at Friends Academy: An Expose”
HONORABLE
MENTION: Kailash Sundaram and Ryan Brigden, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA, “Adapting
to Diversity Within Diversity: CAMD Meets Needs of Changing Student
Demographics”
MENTION: Kailash Sundaram and Ryan Brigden, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA, “Adapting
to Diversity Within Diversity: CAMD Meets Needs of Changing Student
Demographics”
PROFILE — Individual
FIRST
PLACE: Janine Ko, Phillips
Academy, Andover, Mass., for “Frank Stella Profile”
PLACE: Janine Ko, Phillips
Academy, Andover, Mass., for “Frank Stella Profile”
Janine offered an evocative opening quote and built the storyline
in a logical way. Overall, it was well written and interesting to read.
in a logical way. Overall, it was well written and interesting to read.
SECOND
PLACE: Nandi Blanchard, International School of Kenya, Nairobi,
Kenya, “Nairobi Football Team’s Biggest Loss Was When Terrorists Killed An
Exceptional Girl.”
PLACE: Nandi Blanchard, International School of Kenya, Nairobi,
Kenya, “Nairobi Football Team’s Biggest Loss Was When Terrorists Killed An
Exceptional Girl.”
Great use of quotes in this piece, which captures the essence of
the student. Key details provided interest and texture.
the student. Key details provided interest and texture.
HONORABLE
MENTION: Daniel Rich, Roslyn High School, Roslyn Heights, NY, “Alumni
Spotlight: Darren Rovell”
MENTION: Daniel Rich, Roslyn High School, Roslyn Heights, NY, “Alumni
Spotlight: Darren Rovell”
Daniel’s effective use of photos enhanced the story, which was a rich
and interesting description of Rovell’s career. Overall, the piece is well constructed
and organized.
and interesting description of Rovell’s career. Overall, the piece is well constructed
and organized.
FEATURES – Individual
FIRST PLACE: Sabrina Leung, Carlmont High School,
Belmont, Calif., “Flushing out the gender separation”
Belmont, Calif., “Flushing out the gender separation”
Sabrina’s feature on transgender students in public schools is
an impressively written and well researched article that calls attention to an
often ignored problem in public schools. Her command of language and ability to
create an engaging and informative piece of journalism is commendable.
an impressively written and well researched article that calls attention to an
often ignored problem in public schools. Her command of language and ability to
create an engaging and informative piece of journalism is commendable.
SECOND PLACE: Leigh Cook, Montgomery Blair High
School, Silver Spring, Maryland, “Bus Drivers”
School, Silver Spring, Maryland, “Bus Drivers”
In “Bus Drivers” Leigh brings to light the lives of
people who most students see every day but ultimately know very little about.
In addition to providing a great deal of insight, Leigh demonstrates a strong
command of language and truly engages the reader by bringing them into a world
that usually lies out of the public eye.
people who most students see every day but ultimately know very little about.
In addition to providing a great deal of insight, Leigh demonstrates a strong
command of language and truly engages the reader by bringing them into a world
that usually lies out of the public eye.
HONORABLE MENTION: Keylee Scott, Journalism & Media
Academy, Hartford, CT “Light is the New Black”
Academy, Hartford, CT “Light is the New Black”
In her feature, “Light is the New Black” Keylee provides
insight into a unique cultural phenomenon, tactfully providing opposing
viewpoints and engaging the reader.
insight into a unique cultural phenomenon, tactfully providing opposing
viewpoints and engaging the reader.
FEATURES — Team
FIRST
PLACE: Emily Munoz and Alyssa
Newman, Pflugerville High School, Pflugerville, TX, “Uprooted”
PLACE: Emily Munoz and Alyssa
Newman, Pflugerville High School, Pflugerville, TX, “Uprooted”
A shorter piece that packs a punch, “Uprooted” is relevant to its
community and audience and addresses the important face of immigrants and
refugees in the USA. The interviews give good depth to the article and make for
a gripping read. The writing style is well-rounded and allows the subjects to convey
their story.
community and audience and addresses the important face of immigrants and
refugees in the USA. The interviews give good depth to the article and make for
a gripping read. The writing style is well-rounded and allows the subjects to convey
their story.
SECOND
PLACE: Simran Arjani, David Heller, Anna Radakrishnan, Ana Song, Joanna Kim,
Serena Tharakan, Lexi Lerner, Ji-Sung Kim, Lucia Tu, Joshua Meier, Sarah
Joseph, Esther Lee, Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, New Jersey, “AcademyScientific Space Issue”
PLACE: Simran Arjani, David Heller, Anna Radakrishnan, Ana Song, Joanna Kim,
Serena Tharakan, Lexi Lerner, Ji-Sung Kim, Lucia Tu, Joshua Meier, Sarah
Joseph, Esther Lee, Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, New Jersey, “AcademyScientific Space Issue”
A team project
on a grand scale, this was executed beautifully, and difficult concepts were
relayed to the reader in an understandable and interesting fashion. Definitely
the way forward to making science features not only accessible but enjoyable to
younger audiences.
on a grand scale, this was executed beautifully, and difficult concepts were
relayed to the reader in an understandable and interesting fashion. Definitely
the way forward to making science features not only accessible but enjoyable to
younger audiences.
HONORABLE
MENTION: YJI staff, “Wigwam Takes Shape At Bristol Preserve”
MENTION: YJI staff, “Wigwam Takes Shape At Bristol Preserve”
A stellar example of illustrating the importance of local events and
local history in journalism. Good writing in a crisp voice that still paints a
coherent picture to the reader’s mind.
local history in journalism. Good writing in a crisp voice that still paints a
coherent picture to the reader’s mind.
EDITORIAL (unsigned; award goes to
publication)
publication)
The
maturity in handling the subject, as well as having a solid pulse on the
student body and its interests, makes this editorial stand out from the rest.
The writing is solid, the argument convincing. Its clear call to action and the
supporting argument the team made would be hard for its readers, students, parents
and school administrators to disregard.
maturity in handling the subject, as well as having a solid pulse on the
student body and its interests, makes this editorial stand out from the rest.
The writing is solid, the argument convincing. Its clear call to action and the
supporting argument the team made would be hard for its readers, students, parents
and school administrators to disregard.
SECOND
PLACE: The
Lawrence, “A Necessary Measure,” The
Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
PLACE: The
Lawrence, “A Necessary Measure,” The
Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
A
courageous stance calling for discipline of members of the student
body. The writing is clear and concise. The argument is well made and
supported. Nice job.
courageous stance calling for discipline of members of the student
body. The writing is clear and concise. The argument is well made and
supported. Nice job.
HONORABLE
MENTION: Horace Mann Record, “Complexities of competitive reputation,” Horace
Mann School, Bronx, New York
MENTION: Horace Mann Record, “Complexities of competitive reputation,” Horace
Mann School, Bronx, New York
The
newspaper team provides a calm voice over a subject that hit close to home. Its
last paragraph connects with the reader without being overly emotional.
newspaper team provides a calm voice over a subject that hit close to home. Its
last paragraph connects with the reader without being overly emotional.
MULTIMEDIA NEWS –
FIRST
PLACE: Michelle Chavez, “Concerns
About Under-Reported Rapes at UMD,” University of Maryland, College Park,
Maryland
PLACE: Michelle Chavez, “Concerns
About Under-Reported Rapes at UMD,” University of Maryland, College Park,
Maryland
Michelle did a great job of
finding a diverse group of students, health care and university officials to
discuss the issue of under-reported rape on campus.
finding a diverse group of students, health care and university officials to
discuss the issue of under-reported rape on campus.
SECOND
PLACE: Chloe Chaobal, “Suicide Prevention at West High“, West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, Alaska
PLACE: Chloe Chaobal, “Suicide Prevention at West High“, West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, Alaska
A thorough and thoughtful
examination of a serious, important issue.
examination of a serious, important issue.
MULTIMEDIA FEATURE –
In a long-form
radio report, Arina shared the music and the story behind the local band
Gerygone & Twig, doing an excellent job of capturing the band’s sound and
personality.
radio report, Arina shared the music and the story behind the local band
Gerygone & Twig, doing an excellent job of capturing the band’s sound and
personality.
SECOND PLACE: Michelle Min, “15
Freshmen Faces,” Sage Hill School, Newport Coast, California
Freshmen Faces,” Sage Hill School, Newport Coast, California
HONORABLE MENTION: Ryan Carzello, “Building
a Wigwam,” Connecticut
a Wigwam,” Connecticut
MULTIMEDIA OPINION
FIRST
PLACE: Barae Hirsch “Sex, drugs and classical music in Town Square,” West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, Alaska
PLACE: Barae Hirsch “Sex, drugs and classical music in Town Square,” West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, Alaska
Barae confronts stereotypes about
young people in the context of a ridiculous municipal proposal to drive
misbehaving teens from town square by blasting classical music. Great idea and
some hilarious snippets from teens. A fun report.
young people in the context of a ridiculous municipal proposal to drive
misbehaving teens from town square by blasting classical music. Great idea and
some hilarious snippets from teens. A fun report.
MULTIMEDIA SPORTS
FIRST PLACE: Justin
Hern, “Keyshawn
Johnson Talks About NFL with YJI”, Bristow Middle School, West Hartford,
Connecticut
Hern, “Keyshawn
Johnson Talks About NFL with YJI”, Bristow Middle School, West Hartford,
Connecticut
It was interesting to see a former NFL star in a
different context, doing his job at ESPN. Justin’s knowledge of football came
through.
different context, doing his job at ESPN. Justin’s knowledge of football came
through.
OPINION WRITING
FIRST
PLACE: Lily Grossbard, Phillips Academy,
Andover, Massachusetts, “Putting the ‘T’ in LGBTQ”
Lily
tackles a taboo subject within a taboo subject and does it elegantly.
Acknowledging her readership is left of center, she goes beyond preaching to the
choir for a deeper dive into gender identity than even many gay and lesbian
students and their allies might find comfortable. She also deftly marries
stats, a personal story and perspective from the author of the study she cites
to create something more effective than the typical teen polemic on a divisive
social issue.
PLACE: Lily Grossbard, Phillips Academy,
Andover, Massachusetts, “Putting the ‘T’ in LGBTQ”
Lily
tackles a taboo subject within a taboo subject and does it elegantly.
Acknowledging her readership is left of center, she goes beyond preaching to the
choir for a deeper dive into gender identity than even many gay and lesbian
students and their allies might find comfortable. She also deftly marries
stats, a personal story and perspective from the author of the study she cites
to create something more effective than the typical teen polemic on a divisive
social issue.
SECOND
PLACE: Kai Lawson-McDowall, International School
of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya “Coming Kenyan Election Triggers Memories of 2007Violence and Worries About What’s Next“
Kai gives
a strong run-down of the issue’s history and asks the reader to acknowledge
their position of privilege, from which the discussion is largely academic, and
consider the position of the less fortunate.
PLACE: Kai Lawson-McDowall, International School
of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya “Coming Kenyan Election Triggers Memories of 2007Violence and Worries About What’s Next“
Kai gives
a strong run-down of the issue’s history and asks the reader to acknowledge
their position of privilege, from which the discussion is largely academic, and
consider the position of the less fortunate.
COLUMN WRITING (individual)
FIRST PLACE: Teo Armus Laski – “The best and the
Brightest,” Horace Mann School, Bronx, New York
This
was well written, and thoroughly thought out. Good introduction and a good
concluding statement.
Brightest,” Horace Mann School, Bronx, New York
This
was well written, and thoroughly thought out. Good introduction and a good
concluding statement.
SECOND PLACE: Issac Jiffar, Montgomery Blair High
School, Silver Spring, Maryland, “Montgomery County’s Math Masquerade”
School, Silver Spring, Maryland, “Montgomery County’s Math Masquerade”
This column
had a strong introduction, lots of supporting facts and a strong
conclusion. Well done.
had a strong introduction, lots of supporting facts and a strong
conclusion. Well done.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Kennedy Huff, Pflugerville High
School, Pflugerville, TX, “Your Confederate Pride is My Pain”
School, Pflugerville, TX, “Your Confederate Pride is My Pain”
This
column was well constructed and heartfelt. It is clear the writer
was speaking to others and encouraged their attention and
response. Well done piece.
column was well constructed and heartfelt. It is clear the writer
was speaking to others and encouraged their attention and
response. Well done piece.
Alexa Silver, Rosyln High School,
Roslyn Heights, NY, “9/11 – Today”
Roslyn Heights, NY, “9/11 – Today”
Although
this column was a bit wordy, it covered a huge topic and multiple events. It
was well constructed and conveyed the author’s feelings and opinion. Well done.
this column was a bit wordy, it covered a huge topic and multiple events. It
was well constructed and conveyed the author’s feelings and opinion. Well done.
Wonik Son – Trinity School, NY, but
he lives in Fort Lee, NJ, for “North Korea and American Exceptionalism”
he lives in Fort Lee, NJ, for “North Korea and American Exceptionalism”
This
column stated the position of the writer in a clear and concise manner. It had
a good introduction, good content and a strong conclusion.
column stated the position of the writer in a clear and concise manner. It had
a good introduction, good content and a strong conclusion.
FIRST PERSON ESSAY (individual
byline)
byline)
FIRST
PLACE: Sophia Slater, The American School in
Japan, Tokyo, Japan, “Helping
After the Great East Japan Earthquake: When Money May Not Be Enough,”
PLACE: Sophia Slater, The American School in
Japan, Tokyo, Japan, “Helping
After the Great East Japan Earthquake: When Money May Not Be Enough,”
SECOND
PLACE: Britta Fischer, American School of Kenya,
Nairobi, Kenya, “To
Nairobi Student, The Westgate Mall Attack In Kenya Is ‘The Scariest Thing In The
World’”
PLACE: Britta Fischer, American School of Kenya,
Nairobi, Kenya, “To
Nairobi Student, The Westgate Mall Attack In Kenya Is ‘The Scariest Thing In The
World’”
HONORABLE
MENTION: Dina El Halawany, Riada Language School,
Alexandria, Egypt, “Egypt
Rises Again, For ‘Safety and Freedom’”
MENTION: Dina El Halawany, Riada Language School,
Alexandria, Egypt, “Egypt
Rises Again, For ‘Safety and Freedom’”
CARTOONS
FIRST PLACE: Stephanie Haber aka W. Idget , Roslyn
High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Rags
to Riches”
High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Rags
to Riches”
The use of MS Paint in these images is hilarious. There are way
more refined graphic design programs, but MS Paint has a special place in this
judge’s heart. The pixelation and elementary look emits a
lightheartedness to a serious transition in the subject’s life. To change from
a teacher to a pope is quite the jump, but the combination of digital
photography, MS Paint and text creates for a straightfoward, yet humorous
portrayal of such an exciting situation.
more refined graphic design programs, but MS Paint has a special place in this
judge’s heart. The pixelation and elementary look emits a
lightheartedness to a serious transition in the subject’s life. To change from
a teacher to a pope is quite the jump, but the combination of digital
photography, MS Paint and text creates for a straightfoward, yet humorous
portrayal of such an exciting situation.
SECOND PLACE: Auroba Tariq, Karachi, Pakistan, “Importance of Vaccines”
The work is a simple visual equation. There’s clear labeling and
an effort to render specific images to communicate the issue at hand. In this
case, the presentation of shortages of essentials creates a somber message that
can be clearly understood.
an effort to render specific images to communicate the issue at hand. In this
case, the presentation of shortages of essentials creates a somber message that
can be clearly understood.
MUSIC REVIEWS
FIRST PLACE: Eli Winter, Carnegie Vanguard High School, Houston, Texas, “New
Strokes Album Rivals the Band’s Best”
Strokes Album Rivals the Band’s Best”
Eli nailed it.
He sounds authoritative and expresses sound critical judgment in his writing.
He sounds authoritative and expresses sound critical judgment in his writing.
HONORABLE MENTION: Leigh
Cook and Kenyetta Whitfield, Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring,
Maryland, “Ending 2013 with a whole new music scene”
Cook and Kenyetta Whitfield, Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring,
Maryland, “Ending 2013 with a whole new music scene”
Solid writing.
HONORABLE MENTION: Arooj
Khalid, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, “Pakistani
Girls Rock Out At Campus Concert”
Khalid, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, “Pakistani
Girls Rock Out At Campus Concert”
Strong real-time reporting.
FILM,
THEATER, TELEVISION REVIEWS
THEATER, TELEVISION REVIEWS
FIRST PLACE: Arooj Khalid, Kinnaird College
for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, “Burka Avenger Is Perfect Superhero For Pakistan
And Great Role Model For Girls”
for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, “Burka Avenger Is Perfect Superhero For Pakistan
And Great Role Model For Girls”
Arooj’s
succinct appraisal of this fascinating children’s show is impressive for putting
the program in its cultural context. The review acknowledges the
potential controversy of putting a woman in a burka in some corners of the
world, but offers a cogent defense. I’d watch this show and I’m a
45-year-old male!
succinct appraisal of this fascinating children’s show is impressive for putting
the program in its cultural context. The review acknowledges the
potential controversy of putting a woman in a burka in some corners of the
world, but offers a cogent defense. I’d watch this show and I’m a
45-year-old male!
SECOND PLACE: Alan Burkholder, Boston University, Boston,
Massachusetts, “Lincoln Deserves A Dozen Academy Awards”
Massachusetts, “Lincoln Deserves A Dozen Academy Awards”
Alan’s
review of ‘Lincoln,’ a movie I wasn’t crazy about, shows how the reviewer has a
strong viewpoint and backs up his assertions. The review may veer a bit
too close to fawning, but it manages to be passionate and savvy.
review of ‘Lincoln,’ a movie I wasn’t crazy about, shows how the reviewer has a
strong viewpoint and backs up his assertions. The review may veer a bit
too close to fawning, but it manages to be passionate and savvy.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Chi Le, Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted,
Hanoi, Vietnam, “Magic Falls Short In Now You See Me”
Hanoi, Vietnam, “Magic Falls Short In Now You See Me”
Cara Maines, St. John’s School, Houston, Texas,
“Under Review: ‘Now You See Me’”
“Under Review: ‘Now You See Me’”
Two
sides of the same coin! Shows how two people could see the same movie and have
differing opinions. Nice!
sides of the same coin! Shows how two people could see the same movie and have
differing opinions. Nice!
GENERAL REVIEWS
FIRST
PLACE: Arielle Schwartz, Roslyn
High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Cronut Craze”
PLACE: Arielle Schwartz, Roslyn
High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Cronut Craze”
Describes the recent hype in a concise and clear manner. Ends
with implications for the future (+1) for why it’s first place. Includes diverse
opinions.
with implications for the future (+1) for why it’s first place. Includes diverse
opinions.
SECOND PLACE: Anisha Datta, Glencoe High School,
Hillsboro, Oregon, “Game ON“
Hillsboro, Oregon, “Game ON“
Using a storytelling method, Anisha gives a good introduction
that grabs the reader. Yet the review does not have diverse viewpoints or offer
any indication of where the fad will go in the future.
that grabs the reader. Yet the review does not have diverse viewpoints or offer
any indication of where the fad will go in the future.
HONORABLE MENTION: Cara Maines, St. John’s School, Houston,
Texas, “C’est Magnifique: The French Cultures Festival”
Texas, “C’est Magnifique: The French Cultures Festival”
Basic reporting with a simple, no bias approach, but there is no
real singular moment that makes the piece stand out. It could have been
anywhere in the U.S.A., so why is it special that it was in Texas? What’s the
connection to France, if any? But it captures the moment and spirit of the
event well.
real singular moment that makes the piece stand out. It could have been
anywhere in the U.S.A., so why is it special that it was in Texas? What’s the
connection to France, if any? But it captures the moment and spirit of the
event well.
SPORTS NEWS (Individual)
FIRST PLACE: Anisha Datta, Glencoe High School, Hillsboro, Oregon, “Running a marathon no walk in the park”
Clearly
the best.
the best.
SECOND PLACE: Rae Martin, Metropolitan
Learning Center, Bloomfield, Connecticut, “ESPN President Brings Vision,
Direction”
Learning Center, Bloomfield, Connecticut, “ESPN President Brings Vision,
Direction”
SPORTS FEATURE
FIRST
PLACE: Jean Cho, Seoul International
School, Seoul, South Korea, “New Attitudes Help Gamers Enjoy Athlete Status”
PLACE: Jean Cho, Seoul International
School, Seoul, South Korea, “New Attitudes Help Gamers Enjoy Athlete Status”
Jean’s piece had good descriptive language and used
facts and quotes to make a narrative.
facts and quotes to make a narrative.
SECOND
PLACE: Kim Brenneisen, Juan Diego Catholic High School, “Martinez
Aims for Target”
PLACE: Kim Brenneisen, Juan Diego Catholic High School, “Martinez
Aims for Target”
Kim built a story from two key points of view in the
family while laying out the many facts and challenges involved.
family while laying out the many facts and challenges involved.
HONORABLE
MENTION: Tea Nelson, Borah High School, Boise, Idaho, “Senior Excels at
Thailand sport takraw”
MENTION: Tea Nelson, Borah High School, Boise, Idaho, “Senior Excels at
Thailand sport takraw”
Tea did a nice job using quotes to support the storyline.
SPORTS OPINION
FIRST PLACE: Isaac Jiffar, Montgomery
Blair High School, Silver Spring, Maryland, “Our Mascot’s Going Down in a Blazeof Glory”
Blair High School, Silver Spring, Maryland, “Our Mascot’s Going Down in a Blazeof Glory”
Laugh
out loud funny… clever… witty… snarky… full of cynicism… uses all kinds
of cool, hip ways to make a point… even brings in a third person’s opinion and
similar situation to support his case. I was disappointed when the piece ended
– although it gave me a chance to look for a hippogriff!
out loud funny… clever… witty… snarky… full of cynicism… uses all kinds
of cool, hip ways to make a point… even brings in a third person’s opinion and
similar situation to support his case. I was disappointed when the piece ended
– although it gave me a chance to look for a hippogriff!
SECOND PLACE: TIE
Kim Brenneisen, Juan
Diego Catholic High School, Draper, Utah, “No Pay for Play”
Diego Catholic High School, Draper, Utah, “No Pay for Play”
Kim
offers an extremely strong opinion on a serious issue and presents similarly
strong opinions on smaller issues within to support her larger opinion.
offers an extremely strong opinion on a serious issue and presents similarly
strong opinions on smaller issues within to support her larger opinion.
Spencer Rabin, Roslyn
High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Homosexuality in Sports”
High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Homosexuality in Sports”
Well
researched and studious, showing actually more work and effort than opinion.
This well-conceived New York Times-type piece was more case study than op-ed.
But Spencer’s lofty approach was hurt by some lazy writing – repetitive phrases
and clichés – which could certainly be improved.
researched and studious, showing actually more work and effort than opinion.
This well-conceived New York Times-type piece was more case study than op-ed.
But Spencer’s lofty approach was hurt by some lazy writing – repetitive phrases
and clichés – which could certainly be improved.
NEWS PHOTO
FIRST
PLACE: Dina Halawany, Riada
Language School, Alexandria, Egypt, “Egyptians Filled With Hope As
Deadline Nears”
PLACE: Dina Halawany, Riada
Language School, Alexandria, Egypt, “Egyptians Filled With Hope As
Deadline Nears”
The photo shows
action and creativity with the flag motion.
action and creativity with the flag motion.
SECOND PLACE: Arooj
Khalid, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, “Pakistani
Women Study Heart Health”
Khalid, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, “Pakistani
Women Study Heart Health”
I like the
simpleness of the people on stage.
simpleness of the people on stage.
I like the
lighting and composition. The photos would have been better if you had waited
for a subject to walk or run along the path. Even a dog would add to the
picture.
lighting and composition. The photos would have been better if you had waited
for a subject to walk or run along the path. Even a dog would add to the
picture.
SPORTS PHOTO
FIRST PLACE: Lucius
Xuan, Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, “Boys Water Polo”
Xuan, Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, “Boys Water Polo”
The
image has plenty of energy and excitement. With regards to positioning, get
closer. It will fill the frame better.
image has plenty of energy and excitement. With regards to positioning, get
closer. It will fill the frame better.
SECOND PLACE: Daniel
Rich, Roslyn High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Girls Varsity Tennis Gets
Historic Win”
Rich, Roslyn High School, Roslyn Heights, New York, “Girls Varsity Tennis Gets
Historic Win”
Excellent
job in demonstrating movement.
job in demonstrating movement.
HONORABLE MENTION: Jaynee Nielsen, Borah High School, Boise, Idaho, “Coaches reaction during tight football game”
Test
out different shutter speeds to minimize the blur when capturing movement.
out different shutter speeds to minimize the blur when capturing movement.
FEATURE PHOTO
FIRST
PLACE: Alex
Arrouchdi, International School of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, for “Summit
of Mt. Kenya”
PLACE: Alex
Arrouchdi, International School of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, for “Summit
of Mt. Kenya”
This captivating and moody photo could easily feature in a travel
magazine. Very well done.
magazine. Very well done.
SECOND PLACE: Jaynee
Nielsen, Borah High School, Boise, Idaho, Music
Man
Nielsen, Borah High School, Boise, Idaho, Music
Man
This photo pretty much summed it up … singing. While I would
have like to have seen a photo prominently featuring Harold Hill and the
townspeople singing from a wider view, this still tells the story.
have like to have seen a photo prominently featuring Harold Hill and the
townspeople singing from a wider view, this still tells the story.
HONORABLE MENTION: Emilio Mercado, Bristol, Connecticut, Framing
the Wigwam
the Wigwam
This image coincides nicely with the article and gives me a
great visual on the teamwork required to build a shelter.
great visual on the teamwork required to build a shelter.
HONORABLE MENTION: Robert Guthrie, Wallace
Hall Academy, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Drops
of Ice
Hall Academy, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Drops
of Ice
A
pretty image.
pretty image.
HONORABLE MENTION: Sabrina Lawson-McDowall, International School
of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, Sunrise/Sunset
of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, Sunrise/Sunset
A
pretty image.
pretty image.
PHOTO ESSAY
FIRST
PLACE: Tom Vaughn, Terryville, Connecticut,
attending Waterbury Arts Magnet School, Windmills of Portugal
The photos are well-composed and tell a story about the
area. The article is filled with facts and is very informative about the
history of both the windmills and the area. It gave enough information for the
reader to want to learn more, but provided enough information that one feels
more knowledgeable after finishing the article. The photos are well-lit,
colorful and the windmill model photo has interesting scale, enough that it is
a surprise when one finds out it is only a model.
PLACE: Tom Vaughn, Terryville, Connecticut,
attending Waterbury Arts Magnet School, Windmills of Portugal
The photos are well-composed and tell a story about the
area. The article is filled with facts and is very informative about the
history of both the windmills and the area. It gave enough information for the
reader to want to learn more, but provided enough information that one feels
more knowledgeable after finishing the article. The photos are well-lit,
colorful and the windmill model photo has interesting scale, enough that it is
a surprise when one finds out it is only a model.
The article is somewhat lengthy and focuses on food often, and
paints an interesting picture for the reader. The cultural differences that the
writer experienced were highlighted throughout the piece. Including more technical
information about the places visited would have made a stronger piece.
paints an interesting picture for the reader. The cultural differences that the
writer experienced were highlighted throughout the piece. Including more technical
information about the places visited would have made a stronger piece.
HONORABLE
MENTION: Yelena Samofalova, Hall High School, West Hartford,
Connecticut, Boston Marathon Bombing
MENTION: Yelena Samofalova, Hall High School, West Hartford,
Connecticut, Boston Marathon Bombing
This piece puts a visitor’s perspective to the
bombings and shows what is left after the event.
bombings and shows what is left after the event.
ILLUSTRATION
FIRST
PLACE: Alan Burkholder, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, Mark Twain
drawing
PLACE: Alan Burkholder, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, Mark Twain
drawing
A charming sketch of a young Mark Twain shows Alan’s artistic talents.
