Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Sul Ross State University Entry Title: Anxious Parents, Students Return to School in Wake of Uvalde Shooting Entry Credit: Brooke Manuel Judge Comment: I chose this story as the winner for its strong localization of a topic, national issue: the tragedy of mass shootings. It was well-sourced, relevant and well-written. Checked all my boxes. Great job!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: A&M-San Antonio - The Mesquite Entry Title: March for Our Lives rally urges action on gun violence Entry Credit: Amber Esparza, Gabrielle Tellez, Sergio Medina Judge Comment: This story showed the benefit of team-based reporting in covering the protest. It featured a wealth of perspectives from the march itself, and additional commentary from the professor was a nice touch!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Tyler Junior College Entry Title: Trees removed following safety concern Entry Credit: Brooklyn Gundling Judge Comment: I liked how this story took an issue on campus, student concerns and provided a clear explanation for the removal of the trees. I would have like more reporting on the science behind the tree's diseases, how it is treated or the budgetary implications of the project.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Texas Wesleyan University Entry Title: Theatre Wesleyan’s “Down to Mississippi” will not be performed after students speak out over language Entry Credit: Veida Dima Judge Comment: This story did a good job including comments from both sides of the issue. But reporting needs to go beyond the event, and include additional context. Was this the first play cancelled for this reason? What do civil rights leaders have to say about using an racial insult like that as a teaching tool?
Competition Comment: Highest marks were given to stories that went beyond a campus event or speech, and gave the reader additional context and perspective. Most of the stories in this category were the former. Student journalists have a lot of interesting events they can cover on campus, but strong journalism requires the issues be more thoroughly investigated than simply what is said at a public event. More research could bring forth data, background and really dig into problems facing students and their solutions.
