Results revealed for the 2025 First Edition Competition
/Congratulations to the winners of the First Edition Competition from the 2025 Fall Conference. Entries were divided into print and web. Certificates will be mailed to advisers.
NEWSPRINT
Front Page:
midtown High School’s The Southerner newspaper is the front page winner
1st: Midtown High School, The Southerner newspaper
Judge’s comments: “The Southerner’s blend of a top trending story with a strong graphic executed a creative blend of the narrative and the impact of vaping with youth today. This cover provided an engaging tagline leaving the reader wanting to learn more. Excellence balance of content.”
2nd: The King’s Academy, The Verve newspaper
News:
1st: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Cracking down on underage vaping”
Judge’s Comments: “Cracking Down on Underage Vaping” is top of mind regarding its impact on youth as well as being able to improve the learning environment and health of all students. Accurate reporting of statistics and the need for detection devices was well researched and reported with first hand accounts. The element of strong storytelling weaving statistics with impact and experience was exceptionally strong.”
Feature:
1st: Clarke Central High School, ODYSSEY Newsmagazine, “Scott’s support”
Judge’s comments: “This feature story captured CCHS Assistant Principal Alexis Scott’s lifelong passion of making ‘public education thrive.’ Scott has impact on her peers, colleagues, students and now fellow leaders in K-12 education. Her dedication to continued education and impact on future generations is truly inspirational.”
2nd: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Das Sweet Treat ignites tastebuds in Marietta”
Sports:
1st: Clarke Central High School, ODYSSEY Newsmagazine, “Lighting up death valley”
Judge’s comments: “The ‘Lighting up death valley’ sports feature highlighted the importance of community collaboration and fundraising efforts to benefit the overall experience for a variety of stakeholders, students, athletes, community, parents, sponsors, etc.”
2nd: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Gameday: keeping up with Blue Devil traditions”
Opinion:
1st: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Student Representation”
Judge’s comments: “This opinion piece is exceptional, highlighting the need to include all stakeholder voices, especially the unheard voices of students, at critical school board meetings. Barnes notes three important opinions which drive her mission, (1) representing students voices exhibits collaboration among schools, students and school boards, (2) providing students a seat at the table to bridge the gap between leadership and the everyday student experience, and (3) students are integral stakeholders that desire to provide input on decisions that impact their learning experience.”
2nd: Clarke Central High School, ODYSSEY Newsmagazine, “Traditional gender norms aren’t inherently harmful, but shouldn’t be adopted at the expense of individual autonomy.”
WEBSITE
Front Page:
1st: Clarke Central High School, iliad website
Judge’s comments: “The layout is absolutely stunning. It is eye-catching and makes me want to engage with your page. Beautiful!”
2nd: Midtown High School, The Southerner
News:
1st: Midtown High School, “Under the radar, over the limit; schools attempt to curb student vaping”
Judge’s comments: “Lyons, Keenan, and Mercer take an in-depth dive into a popular issue, gathering interviews from a variety of sources to present a well-rounded analysis. Fact and story are perfectly balanced, with data from multiple research studies supporting direct quotes.”
2nd: Clarke Central High School Odyssey News, “CCSD and Get Comfortable partnership expansion”
3rd: Clarke Central High School iliad website, “Sketching Success”
Feature:
1st: Clarke Central High School ODYSSEY Media Group, “Inkspired”
Judge’s comments: '“Holloway and D’Angelo create an incredibly engaging story by integrating unique media like maps and timelines and asking intentional interview questions to get high-quality responses. The extensive research they did on the history of Athens and the tattooing industry is evident across the entire story.”
2nd: McIntosh High School, The Trail, “Mcintosh Reenters the Fight for human rights with Amnesty International”
3rd: Midtown High School, The Southerner, “New therapy dog Paddington trained by inmates”
Sports:
1st: Clarke Central High School, ODYSSEY Media Group, "Safe Speeds"
Judge’s comments: “The topic and quotes really stood out to me. In a field where stories are usually about wins and stats, I appreciated this heartfelt story. Great work!”
2nd: McIntosh High School, The Trail, "Ace the game: Chiefs varsity Volleyball wins against Woodward and Midtown”
Opinion:
1st: Clarke Central High School, ODYSSEY Media Group, "Social Commentary: Jaws"
Judge’s comments: “I enjoyed this fresh take on a movie that was created so long ago. The writing was fluid, engaging and thought-provoking, leaving an impression on the reader.”
2nd: McIntosh High School, The Trail, "Pay them What You Owe Them: Why WNBA Players Deserve More than Spare Change"