Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Midwestern Entry Title: Friends share memories, words of caution after death of student Entry Credit: Cecil Witherspoon Judge Comment: Really lovely writeup of a difficult event. Nice remembrances from friends that allow the audience to get to know Adam as a person — and to receive a caution about drug use. The caution is done respectfully.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Tarrant County College Entry Title: Board unanimously agrees to begin Giovannini's termination Entry Credit: Jose Romero Judge Comment: Good example of how to write a story about a big, newsy development. The writing is very clear. There is good context and background. Nice job seeking comment from officials and explaining to readers that they declined. Would also have been good to get reaction from others, such as student leaders or faculty.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Del Mar College Entry Title: O’Rouke rallies local supporters Entry Credit: Ana Alldredge Judge Comment: Good example of how to write a news story about an event. Solid, tight writing. Great use of quotes from both speakers and attendees.
Competition Comment: The best stories in this category were written clearly, with good context and background. They included perspectives from members of the campus community, such as students. They used quotes well — not to convey basic facts, but to share key observations or emotions.
