Regional Student Journalism Competitions
We should celebrate journalistic talent and ability with the same gusto that Pennsylvanians celebrate accomplishments in music, theater and sport? The PSPA regional competitions offer an educational contest to every student journalist in Pennsylvania. PSPA's writing, design, and artistic competitions are similar to those offered at the Journalism Education Association’s semi-annual conventions – but near you and with affordable prices.
More information and registration will be available Fall 2022. Please reach out with any questions.
More information and registration will be available Fall 2022. Please reach out with any questions.
Regional Competition Fee
The fee for each student from PSPA member schools to compete in any category is $12 for Fall 2022.
Only member schools can compete in the SJCs. Not a PSPA member? Become a member today!
State Student Journalism Competitions
Regional winners are eligible to compete in the state journalism competition, typically in March. In each category, students will compete against other regional winners.
After a team of journalism experts evaluates the work of your students, state winners for each competition will be announced. All students will receive helpful feedback on their submissions.
PSPA will do everything possible to help schools and communities recognize and celebrate the achievements of your students, including releasing results to your local news outlets, informing principals, and posting results on the PSPA website. What’s good for your students is good for tomorrow’s journalism community.
There is no fee for Finals competition.
Competition Categories, Sample Prompts, Rubrics
On-Site (Write-Off) Competitions
1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will receive a sheet that features five pictures and also a sheet that provides information for each picture. Students will have to create a lead-in and full caption for each shot. Captions must tell a complete story and should have a minimum length of three complete sentences.
2Y - Yearbook Copy Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word yearbook story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word yearbook sports story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
4Y - Yearbook Spread Design (view sample prompt / view rubric)
With a pencil, ruler, and layout sheet, students will design a yearbook student life spread based on information provided on a requirement sheet.
5N - Newspaper News Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word news story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
6N - Newspaper Feature Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word feature story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
7N - Newspaper Sports Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word sports story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
8E - Editorial Cartoon (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given an information sheet on a topic of general interest. After reading the material, students will create a cartoon relevant to the material. Judges will look for a simple and clear editorial statement with evidence of artistic ability and a creative approach.
9E - Editorial Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given an information sheet on a topic of general interest. After reading the material, students will write an editorial using their ideas to either support or oppose a position.
10L - Literary Magazine Poetry (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write an original poem for a literary magazine using a theme and length given. Title the poem and clearly indicate lines through identification and the use of margins. Students should: exhibit an understanding of poetry, its conventions, punctuation, and potential; create a setting; convey a tone; connect to feelings; and delve beyond the surface.
11L - Literary Magazine Artwork (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given a poem. After reading it, students will create a drawing relevant to the poem that would accompany it in a literary magazine.
12B - Broadcast Writing (view sample prompt) / view rubric)
Students will be given six stories that they must convert into broadcast style. The script should examine at least four of the six, be 90-seconds long (give or take five seconds), and adhere to the conventions of broadcast writing.
Carry-In Competitions
13YP - Yearbook Photography (view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
Students must submit five (5) pictures.
14NP - Newspaper Photography (view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
Students must submit five (5) pictures.
15BN - Broadcast News Package (view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast news package created after March 30, 2022.
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package (view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast feature package created after March 30, 2022.
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
Students must submit five (5) pictures.
- Make sure to prioritize creating a quality photo caption/cutline for each (at least two to three line sentences that tells who, what, when, and where.)
- One photo must be submitted from each of the posted categories, which will be announced in Fall 2022.
14NP - Newspaper Photography (view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
Students must submit five (5) pictures.
- Make sure to prioritize creating a quality photo caption/cutline for each (at least two to three line sentences that tells who, what, when, and where.)
- One photo must be submitted from each of the posted categories, which will be announced in Fall 2022.
15BN - Broadcast News Package (view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast news package created after March 30, 2022.
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package (view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast feature package created after March 30, 2022.
BROADCAST NEWS PACKAGE WINNER — PSPA State Finals 2022
Ethan Grove & Nick Buono - CTV - Central York HS
Ethan Grove & Nick Buono - CTV - Central York HS
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