After competing on Feb. 23, 16 students from the Yearbook and Newspaper staffs qualified to compete in 13 categories at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) state competition in May.
Staffers competed in either on-site writing competitions or carry-in competitions for photography and graphic design.
State contenders include seniors Dakota Behrman, Erin Browne, Tess Constant, Evelyn Davis, Jordan Huesers, Maegan Kabel, Megan Kuharich, Jordan McEntee, Sara Naatz, Lauren Reardon, Mandy Reno, juniors Karlee Cassidy, Odi Opole, Anna Varriano and sophomore Anna Wonderlich.
Last year, the journalism students did not have the chance to compete in on-site write-offs due to severe weather. However, the staffs went on to place second in the 5A State competition.
Adviser Jill Chittum said this success, even without participating in half the competition, gave her high hopes for the 2012 regionals.
The State competition will take place on May 5 in Lawrence, where students will participate in write-offs. Carry-in competitors will send in new entries to be judged.
Chittum said the student journalism programs in the state of Kansas tend to be more of a focus than in many other states. Though this provides an environment for student growth, she said it also makes for tough competition.
“State is very tough because scholastic journalism all over Kansas is very strong,” Chittum said. “It’s kind of a blessing and a curse.”