Editorial/Opinion Writing Category
1st Place Editorial
David Gromet, Classical High School
The writer of this commentary comparing private and public schools used just
about every tool in the pundit's pocket to craft a clear, readable and compelling
case. He researched scholarly thinking on the subject, extracted appropriate
statistics, and even visited a private school. He used his reading, his calculations
and his observations to reach a reasoned and reasonable opinion that broadened
the scope of his subject in an interesting and useful way. He didn't even forget
to suggest he might be mistaken. A commentary of the first water, as Mencken
would put it. Bravo!
2nd Place Editorial
Brandon Marshall, Portsmouth High School
This short essay about a minute lost somehow (how is not clear) betrays a beguiling
sensuality of thought and rhetoric. With a little more legwork (the author admits
he hasn't "many actual facts" but prefers "using my keen sense
of speculation' '), his piece might have taken first, but he is on notice that
journalism requires snooping about, tracking down facts and quotes - which can
also be fun. Still, good "work"!
3rd Place Editorial
Kayla Smith, Johnston High School
The author's cry from the heart for crossing "the lines that divide us"
clearly alludes to some event that has shaken the school and the student body.
She beautifully evokes the divisions of a school, and of a society. Her language
is clear and sweet, and builds to a call for unity that is hard to resist. The
judge wishes she had taken the point about "the downfall of many civilizations"
a bit further, but bravo anyway.
