Eight students from Canyon ISD high schools brought home individual writing and design awards from the Journalism Educators Association and National Scholastic Press Association National Convention in San Antonio Nov. 15-18.
Completing with a field of more than 1700 top journalism students from across the nation, the students submitted entries completed in on-site competitions. The top 30 percent of entries were awarded superior, excellent or honorable mention ratings.
Canyon High School awards included Trevor Ferril, superior in copy editing; Rachel Smith, excellent in yearbook copy writing; Jessica Moore, honorable mention in advertising design and Cortlyn Dees, honorable mention in sports writing.
Randall High School winners included Jenny Marshall, excellent in yearbook copy writing; Shea Johnson, excellent in sports writing; Audrey Roberson, honorable mention in review writing and Elizabeth Innis, honorable mention in feature writing.
“This convention was a great opportunity for our student journalists to not only compete at a national level but to learn more about the journalism profession,” Randall High School journalism adviser Amy Neese said. “In addition to competing, students attended workshops that focused on improving their skills and they were able to see how other scholastic publications are operating around the country.”
The convention which drew more than 4500 students from across the nation, featured keynote speakers NFL sports reporter Charean Williams and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Rodolfo Gonzalez as well as more than 200 workshops and sessions on writing, media law, photography and publication production. Eighteen CISD students attended the conference along with their publications advisers. The Canyon High School yearbook, Soaring Wings, was named 8th place in the Best of Show competitions for yearbooks in their size range.
“Our students are returning home with a variety of experiences,” Canyon High School journalism adviser Laura Smith said. “Some made valuable contacts that may lead to internships and college scholarships while others are coming home with fresh ideas to improve their school’s publications and their own writing and photography.”
