Journalists illustrate style at regional contest
By Shelby Brokaw
March 06, 2007
No helmet, jersey, or wristband; all these students need is a pencil, stylebook, and their heads to pull off their tasks.
On Feb. 23, the 3A/4A Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Regional Journalism contest was held at the University of Kansas. Over 422 students competed from 23 different high schools, one of those being Silver Lake.
Thirteen Journalism II and Journalism III students traveled to the regional journalism contest. The following nine students qualified to move on to state, which will be held on May 5, also at KU:
Kayla Augustine received honorable mention in yearbook copy writing; Danielle Bulson obtained first in yearbook copy writing, first in layout/double page spread, and third in theme development/graphics; Shelby Brokaw acquired honorable mention in editing; Loren Hewitt grasped honorable mention in yearbook sports writing and first in feature photography; Jill Lira captured honorable mention in newspaper design; Erika Massek got honorable mention in layout/double page spread; Calla Mounkes earned honorable mention in editing and infographics, third in advertising, and second in newspaper design; Jessica Stadler attained third in yearbook sports writing; and Brooke Stebbins took honorable mention in feature photography and second in sports photography.
Other students who competed at the regional contest are Caitlin Grant, Heather Herrmann, Shannon Lindstrom, and Trent Strunk.
Two seniors, Bulson and Mounkes, did exceptionally well at the contest.
Bulson, who qualified in three of four of her events, stated, "I was really surprised I did as well as I did. I have only been to regionals twice, receiving honorable mention the first time in yearbook copy writing."
Mounkes, qualifying in four of five of her events while setting a record for the Silver Lake journalism department, was also shocked by her success.
"I was very excited and surprised. Prior to this year, I had never participated in the carry-in contests, and this year I did three and qualified in all of them. I am anxious to begin the state carry-ins," she said.
The best part about the tournament for Mounkes, however, was not winning, but her adviser's reaction to her achievements.
"My favorite part about regional journalism every year is seeing the results at the end. Mrs. Manhart always is really excited, and I always seem to catch her zeal and feel the excitement building up inside me. It's so nice to have someone that excited for my achievements. I couldn't imagine her being more thrilled if she had won. But, then again, it is like she won because she taught me all my journalism skills," she said.
As for the future, Bulson and Mounkes still have one more state competition to attend.
Journalism teacher Jamie Manhart stated, "For the past three years, our school has placed third in sweepstake points at state. My goal is at least second and of course, ideally, first. Broadcast students can compete at state only, and in the past, our videographers have medaled every year at the competition. So I hope with the effort of yearbook staffers, newspaper writers, photographers, and videographers, we can obtain our goal."
No Kansas video production students can compete at regionals but are eligible to participate at state.
The entire journalism staff is optimistic about the upcoming competition and looking for the support of the town.
"...I just hope we do better than third at state, so we can get that state championship, and prove Silver Lake isn't all about sports!" Bulson concluded.
Journalists illustrate style at regional contest
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| Date | Subject | Posted by: |
|---|---|---|
| 03/09/2007 | Congratulations, to those journalism... | Cheri Corwin |
| 03/13/2007 | Congrats to all of the members of the... | Lauren |
| 03/27/2007 | Keep up the good work and seek the... | David |




