Best of MS- Newspaper Awards
Individual
JoAnne Sellers Newspaper Adviser of the Year
WINNER: Laura Grice — Pelahatchie HS
FINALISTS:
Diala Chaney — Oxford High School
Shari Chumley — Tupelo High School
Lain Hughes — Jackson Preparatory School
Ginny Shikle — Center Hill High School
NEWS STORY
WINNER: Hayden Walker — Oxford High School
This writer reported the news, but then interviewed multiple sources to engage in the conversation. From principal to student, the community engaged in the conversation.
FINALISTS:
Jake Mathews — Jackson Preparatory School
Adya Praveen — Madison Central High School
Meredith Morrow — Madison Central High School
Tanissa Ringo — Starkville High School
DEPTH REPORTING
WINNER: Shelby Parsons — Center Hill High School
This is a thoroughly researched and fact-filled presentation on the topic addressed this situation by the Mississippi Legislature. People curious about this topic were provided a clear picture of the situation.
FINALISTS:
Jane Hurst and Hannah Polk — Jackson Preparatory School
Adya Praveen — Madison Central High School
Taylor Martin — Madison Central High School
Winnie Wilson — Oxford High School
FEATURE STORY
WINNER: Winnie Wilson — Oxford High School
Winnie Wilson crafted a wonderful feature on Yobu Song’s journey to Oxford High School and how the military created a pathway to the American dream. She shared a story of immigration for a high school student that was surprising and relevant.
FINALISTS:
Maggie Boswell — Jackson Preparatory School
Hannah Schossler — Madison Central High School
Hayden Walker — Oxford High School
Laura Renfroe — Pelahatchie High School
OPINION PIECE
WINNER: Hayden Walker — Oxford High School
This was a tough category to evaluate. Ample solid writing. Hayden addresses a highly relevant topic with a clear, fact-centered call to action by school officials everywhere. Should be published in every district.
FINALISTS:
Shelby Parsons — Center Hill High School
Adya Praveen — Madison Central High School
Hangila Ceesay — Mississippi School of Math & Science
Laura Renfroe — Pelahatchie High School
STAFF EDITORIALS
WINNER: Jack Dryden — Jackson Preparatory School
Though the topic is a bit trite, author lays out their arguments well.
FINALISTS:
Baty Newman — Jackson Preparatory School
Megan Tomlinson — Jackson Preparatory School
REVIEWS
WINNER: Laura Renfroe — Pelahatchie High School
Renfroe writes well beyond her years. This review is complete, detailed and flows well for the reader.
FINALISTS:
Scoty Warnick — Amory High School
Jasmine Cork — Center Hill High School
Christina Zhang — Mississippi School of Math & Science
Hannah Harper — Oxford High School
EDITORIAL CARTOONS
WINNER: Laura Renfroe — Pelahatchie High School
Very simple but easy to understand the story behind the art.
FINALISTS:
Carley Lawrence — Amory High School
Megan Tomlinson — Jackson Preparatory School
Hannah Polk — Jackson Preparatory School
Walker Scott — Madison Central High School
SPORTS STORY
WINNER: Christina Zhang — Mississippi School for Math & Science
Zhang immediately covers the most important fact of the story (who won!), then follows up with excellent stats, quotes, and scene-setting details. Great sports writing here.
FINALISTS:
Haddon McLeod — Jackson Preparatory School
Caleb Jenkins — Mississippi School for Math & Science
Solomon Lewis — Starkville High School
Emmy Dean — Tupelo High School
NEWS PHOTO
WINNER: Amari Tucker — Tupelo High School
Great stop motion and excellent focal point shot.
FINALISTS:
Terrell Atkins — Amory High School
Vivi Tomilinson — Oxford High School
Winnie Wilson — Oxford High School
Martha Cruz Manjarez — Tupelo High School
FEATURE PHOTO
WINNER: Emma Stokic — St. Andrews Episcopal School
Captured a great moment. Best use of space and everything was in focus
FINALISTS:
Mary Addison Loving — Madison Central High School
Amirah Singh — St. Andrews Episcopal School
Deonna Thornton — Tupelo High School
SPORTS PHOTO
WINNER: Emmy Dean — Tupelo High School
Great stop motion and excellent focal point shot.
FINALISTS:
Terrell Atkins — Amory High School
Timothy Talley — Amory High School
Mary Addison Loving — Madison Central High School
Rosie Fruge — Oxford High School
PAGE DESIGN
WINNER: Ric Morris– Tupelo High School
Nice graphics. Great layout and design.
FINALISTS:
Adya Praveen — Madison Central High School
Adya Praveen — Madison Central High School
Hayden Walker — Oxford High School
Anthony Jones — St. Andrews Episcopal School
INFOGRAPHIC
WINNER: Isaac Houk — Amory High School
Excellent use of space. Nice color theme and not too wordy. Has all the components to get the reader to engage.
FINALISTS:
Hannah Hoang — Amory High School
Vivi Tomlinson & Callie Carter — Oxford High School
Hayden Walker & Rosie Frugé — Oxford High School
Hayden Walker & Rosie Frugé — Oxford High School
Publication
News Publication of the Year:
WINNER: The Vision — MSMS
The Vision is doing more in terms of story variety, reader services, and volume than its competitors. Kudos on a consistently informative product.
FINALISTS:
The Charger — Oxford High School
The Revelation — St Andrew Episcopal School
The Jacket Buzz — Starkville High School
The Sentry — Jackson Preparatory School
NEWS AND FEATURE WRITING
WINNER: The Charger — Oxford HS
Oxford had a diverse collection of stories that were well-written and up-to-date. They had good source selection and demonstrated a nice understanding of the news values.
FINALISTS:
The Revelation — St. Andrews Episcopal School
The Jacket Buzz — Starkville High School
SPORTS WRITING
WINNER: The Vision — MSMS
MSMS had a great mix of up-to-date stories that gave their audience both scores and insight into the games, players and sports they covered.
FINALISTS:
The Student Press — George County HS
The Sentry — Jackson Preparatory School
The Jacket Buzz — Starkville High School
THS Current — Tupelo High School
OPINION WRITING
WINNER: Hatchie Headlines — Pelahatchie High School
The opinion page addressed current issues head on, with well-written and well supported arguments and covered a diversity of topics of interest to their audience.
FINALISTS:
The Sentry — Jackson Preparatory School
The Jacket Buzz — Starkville High School
PRINT LAYOUT & DESIGN
WINNER: The Revelation — St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Flashy, engaging design with great balance. Not too crowded or text heavy, which is always so critical for the reader.
FINALISTS:
The Sentry — Jackson Preparatory School
The Charger — Oxford High School
ONLINE PRESENCE
WINNER: The Vision — MSMS
The Vision MSMS has a clean design, covered up-to-date topics with well-written stories. It was clear that its editors and designers and writers understand their audience and give them their best.
FINALISTS:
The Student Press — George County High School
Hatchie Headlines –Pelahatchie High School
The Jacket Buzz — Starkville High School
