Scholastic Journalism Awards

News Writing Category

1st Place

St. George's School

Adolphe Coulibaly

Red & White

"This was a very interesting story that was well reported and well written. You introduced a topic, then presented both sides of the issue. It was nice to humanize the story by citing one particular student in the lead paragraph -- though it would have been better to come back with a quote from him up high, to get his take on the underwear experience. I also liked that the story talked about a variety of ‘‘initiation traditions’ ‘ for different sports, and cited specific examples --from football players running around in their underwear to soccer players singing the national anthem in front of the school assembly. This is a very good story with lots of facts, quotes and anecdotes -- the kinds of things you need for a solid news story."

2nd Place

North Kingstown High School

Sarah Thompson

The Current Wave

"This story was well reported and well written, from start to finish. It was clear and concise, bolstered with facts, quotes and reaction from both sides.  That said, you had a straightforward lead paragraph that set the tone for what was to come. You spelled out the issues neatly and succinctly, and used a good mix of quotes and facts to explain exactly what was going on. It is a very solid news story -- with a good quote for the clincher at the end."

3rd Place

Middletown High School

Casey Peterson

The Wave

"This was a thorough, well-written story with a nice mix of facts and quotes."