Canyon High School seniors Cortlyn Dees and Kori Adair, along with 2013 graduate Rachel Smith, have been named to the 2012-2013 UIL All-State Journalism Staff. To earn this honor, the students accumulated points throughout the year based on their accomplishments in writing and publication contests as well as leadership skills. Any student involved in academic journalism in Texas is eligible to apply.

 “High school journalists who go above and beyond the classroom assignments earn the elite title of All-State staff,” Jeanne Acton, UIL director of journalism, said in a press release. “Students work long hours to prepare for contests and produce quality publications. We have some of the best scholastic journalism in the nation because of our dedicated students and advisers.”

Texas is one of the first states to distinguish student journalists with all-state recognition. Only thirty-seven students statewide were chosen for the award.

“I am so honored to be able to be one of the first All-State journalism members from Canyon High,” Cortlyn Dees said. “To be able to share this honor with Kori and Rachel is just the icing on the cake.”

Adair said that she is also honored to be a part of the All-State staff, which shows her devotion to journalism.

“I have made some amazing friends on the trips around Texas and competed with some of the best student journalists in the state,” Adair said. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that my hard work and practice has paid off.”

Adair also said she had to learn to write editorial stories, which was a difficult experience. However, she liked the challenge of writing opinion papers as compared to feature stories. Learning those thinking skills is part of UIL journalism according to Acton.

“One of the best parts about scholastic journalism is that it teaches students more than merely writing,” Acton said. “Students learn how to be effective communicators and critical thinkers, which will help them in any field they pursue after college.” 

The University Interscholastic League was established in 1913 and has become one of the largest organizations of its kind. The League works to provide contests that build citizenship, character-building and good sportsmanship for all participants. UIL also awards scholarships to selected UIL state meet competitors. Smith, now a student at Baylor University, was a recipient of a 2013 UIL academic scholarship and credits high school journalism with her educational and personal growth.

“I used to be incredibly shy, but high school journalism forced me to break out of my shell and talk to people who used to intimidate me,” Smith said. “Now, I love meeting new people and talking to them because I realize that everyone has a story.”