Results revealed for the 2026 First Edition Competition

Congratulations to the winners of the First Edition Competition from the 2026 Fall Conference! Certificates will be mailed to advisers.

Front Page Print:

Cedar Shoals High School’s blueprints newsmagazine is the front page winner

1st: Cedar Shoals High School, BluePrints newsmagazine

Judge’s comments: “BluePrints magazine’s cover is dynamic and relevant. The blending of a blurry background with an in-focus close-up of students is not only visually appealing, but connects to the story about security concerns of Flock cameras. The cover also incorporates its text clearly and effectively.”

2nd: Midtown High School, The Southerner newspaper

Front Page Website:

1st: Cedar Shoals High School, BluePrints newsmagazine

Judge’s comments: “This website is visually appealing and modern. Their branding is very clear, and it was easy to navigate and use.”

2nd: Marietta Highschool, The Pitchfork newspaper

News:

1st: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Wheeler High School hosts President Trump: educational or political?”

Judge’s Comments: “This submission incorporated interesting graphics and a variety of quotes that represented both sides of the story. The article was effective in providing the news element, background information and interesting insight from relevant figures.”

2nd: Clarke Central High School, ODYSSEY newsmagazine, "Transcending Past TEDx”

Feature:

1st: Druid Hills High School, The Spotlight newspaper, “Burton brings CSI experience to classroom”

Judge’s comments: “This submission was very well-written, and each paragraph had a purpose. The reporting felt intentional, rather than just a way to fill the page. The story was interesting and adequately highlighted the subject, explaining why this was a feature. Vocabulary was not redundant, and punctuation was very professional, especially in quotes, where it’s easy to make a mistake. The page was also aesthetically pleasing, and the images and captions were clear while also giving text the space to shine.”

2nd: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Marietta traditions: Special. Different. Better.”

Sports:

1st: Midtown High School, The Southerner newspaper, “Hank Aaron program upgrades APS baseball facilities, connects with community”

Judge’s comments: “With multiple robust sources giving engaging quotes, a topic that is relevant and timely and an expansive story that tracks the impact of this program on a community, this story stood out as the most complete and compelling work. This story provides historical context, what happened, why it happened, what it means and what it can mean in the future. Covering that entire range of topics while being thoroughly engaging throughout is why “Hank Aaron program upgrades APS baseball facilities, connects with community” is the winner.

2nd: Cedar Shoals High School, BluePrints newsmagazine, “Climbing to Community”

Opinion:

1st: Cedar Shoals High School, BluePrints newsmagazine, “You are being watched: Tracking teens erodes independence”

Judge’s comments: “This article intertwines relevant developments in the community and real research information while providing opinions and suggestions for change based on the facts shared. This piece brings up a wide range of topics yet feels entirely cohesive and sheds light on underdiscussed topics through the writer’s unique but informed perspective. It is topical, relevant, thought-provoking, and an amazingly compelling read.”

2nd: Marietta High School, The Pitchfork newspaper, “Concerned community fights Flock”