2023 SJC Finals
Submit State Finals Photography and Video at links below

Submission link for photography categories 13YB and 14NP

Submission link for video categories 15BF and 15 BN

What to Expect at the 2023 SJC Finals 
ADVISER TO-DO LIST
  • Registration: Each finalist and/or guest must register by March 20 using this link. Each attendee will need to register individually. One adviser cannot register for the full group.
  • Each school may bring up to five non-competing guests or students; they will just need to complete the same registration form. If you need/would like to bring more than five non-competing guests or students, please notify us as soon as possible.

  • Photo Release Form: Have students’ parents or guardians fill out the photo release form. Bring these forms when you come on March 30.
  • Supervision: All attending students (finalists and/or guests) must be accompanied by a responsible adult (per Penn State policy), all of whom must register using the link above.
  • Contest Preparation: For students whose prompt relies on the press conference, encourage them to review the following media, so that they will be prepared to ask questions to the panel:
  • Weather: Tell student photographers and videographers to be prepared for all types of weather on the 30th.
  • Publication Sharing: Bring your publications to share! We’ll have a table available during registration for publication sharing. Bring your newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines to share with advisers and students from other schools! We just ask that you take any remaining copies home with you at the end of the day.

EVENT OVERVIEW
Location
  • Penn State HUB on the first floor, outside the Freeman Auditorium
Parking 
Passenger Cars
  • Visitors for the PSPA event can park in the Eisenhower Parking Deck, Stadium West Lot or the Jordan East Lot. 
    • Eisenhower Parking Deck - Parking for the full day is $10.00.
    • Stadium West lot - Parking for the full day is $7.00. 
    • Jordan East Lot – Parking for the full day is $7.00. 
  • Visitors should download and use the ParkMobile app  to reserve and pay for parking.  Reservations should be made in advance. A map of the campus is included in the app.  
Passenger Vans and Buses
  • Visitors for the PSPA event with vans and buses must park in the Porter North Lot.  The Porter North Lot is located by Beaver Stadium and can be found on the campus map HERE. Parking for the full day is $7.00. If possible, you may want to drop off your passengers at the HUB prior to parking. 
  • Parking for the full day is $7.00. Visitors may download and use the ParkMobile app to reserve and pay for parking or use the pay station available in the Porter North Lot.
  • The Porter North Lot is a bit of a walk (1.4 miles) from the HUB-Robeson Center, so please plan accordingly. Drivers can drop passengers off near the HUB-Robeson Center prior to parking. You may access the HUB from Shortlidge Road via College Avenue or Beaver Avenue. Please plan to drop passengers at the corner of Shortlidge Road and Pollock Road. Drivers may not turn left onto Pollock Road; there is no through traffic permitted. Drivers must turn right onto Pollock Road and continue to the Porter North Lot.
  • The Campus Shuttle service provides free transportation across campus for faculty, staff, students, and visitors and runs every 15 (Blue Route) and 20 minutes (White Route), respectively, picking up at more than 20 locations across campus. The closest shuttle stop to the Porter North Lot is the Physical Plant Building, adjacent to Beaver Stadium along E. Park Ave. Both bus routes make stops at the Physical Plant Building. Please consult the parking lot map and Campus Shuttle information, linked below, if you plan to use this service:
  • Visitors attending the PSPA event are NOT PERMITTED to park in the HUB Parking Deck.
  • To access driving directions, parking directions, and construction updates please use our interactive campus map. This map can be utilized throughout your visit to find locations and get directions while on campus. 
9:00-10 AM — Arrival + Check-in (HUB | Outside Freeman Auditorium)
  • Some members of the PSPA Board will be setting up and available to answer questions by 8:45. 
  • Penn State staff will check in all registrants and provide name tags.
  • Another table will be available to display your publications for students and advisers from others schools to look through and/or take.
  • The Bellisario College will have muffins, danishes, bagels, coffee, and juices ready for you by 9:00. 

10-10:30 AM — Welcome + Opening Remarks (HUB | Freeman Auditorium)
Marie Hardin, Dean, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications 
Aaron Fitzpatrick, President, PSPA
  • Please plan to arrive and be all checked in before 10 AM. 
  • The program will start promptly in the Freeman Auditorium at 10 AM.

10:30-11:15 AM — Press Conference (HUB | Freeman Auditorium)
  • Shortly after the opening remarks, we will hold a press conference where the moderator(s) will introduce our featured guest.
  • This year, the press conference will feature Michael McDermott, former Nittany Lion mascot. Michael served as the Nittany Lion from 2020-2023 and is a current senior studying psychology. Current Penn State broadcast journalism students serve as moderators for the press conference. 
  • We will reserve a considerable slot of time for students to present questions to the panel. 
  • Student questions are vital so that journalists can find their angles for many of the contest prompts below.

11:30-12:30 — Student Journalism Contests (HUB | 233AB for most; photography and broadcast package
competitors will be guided around campus by a PSPA board member). Most of the prompts for Finals will reflect the press conference. Below, you will find a breakdown of the prompts, Finals rubrics for each prompt are now available on the “Compete” page on the PSPA website. You can also access them HERE.
  • 1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing - This category has nothing to do with the press conference. Instead, just like at the Regionals, 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.
  • 2Y - Yearbook Copy Writing - Students will have to devise an angle and write a 250-300 word story that reflects some aspect(s) about the press conference.
  • 3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing - Students will devise a sports angle and write a 250-300 word story that reflects some aspect(s) about the press conference.
  • 4Y - Yearbook Spread Design - Similar to what they did at the Regional level, students will have to design a spread to reflect the day’s events at Penn State. Design Sheet
  • 5N - Newspaper News Story Writing - Students will have to devise a news angle and write a 250-300 word story that reflects some aspect(s) about the press conference.
  • 6N - Newspaper Feature Story Writing - Students will have to devise a news feature angle and write a 250-300 word story that reflects some aspect(s) about the press conference.
  • 7N - Newspaper Sports Story Writing - Students will have to devise a news sports story angle and write a 250-300 word story that reflects some sports-related aspect(s) about the press conference.
  • 8N - Editorial Cartoon - Students will have to create an editorial cartoon on either the press conference as a whole or a particular topic discussed by the presenters. Note: Students must bring their own dry color mediums if they wish to use color.
  • 9N - Editorial Writing - Students will have to write an editorial on either the press conference as a whole or a particular topic discussed by the presenters.
  • 10L - Lit Mag Poetry - This category has nothing to do with the press conference. Instead, just like at the Regional level, students will receive a sheet that prompts them to create an original poem based on a given subject. Students must make it relevant to their own schools.
  • 11L - Lit Mag Stand-Alone Artwork - This category has nothing to do with the press conference. Instead, just like at the Regional level, students will receive a sheet that prompts them to create original artwork based on a given piece. Note: Students must bring their own dry color mediums if they wish to use color.
  • 12B - Broadcast Writing - Students will have to create a script for a school television program that meets a given time requirement and reflects aspects of the press conference and morning events.
  • 13YP and 14NP - Yearbook and Newspaper Photography - Students must submit six pictures taken at the PSPA SJC Finals full-day event. 
    • 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.) 
    • Students must go to the PSPA website paschoolpress.org, under the “Compete” page,  by Wednesday, April 5 at 11:59 PM to submit their photos and captions. 
    • One photo must be submitted from each of these categories: 1) unique angle, 2) framing, 3) unique lighting, 4) Celebrate Lines, 5) press conference, 6) best in show.
    • All qualifying photos must be taken between 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 30, 2023.
  • 15BF - Broadcast Video - Students must create a 90-second to two minute feature video for the Donald P. Bellisario Media Center in the Willard Building. 
    • Students must go to the PSPA website (paschoolpress.org), under the “Compete” page, and share an unlisted YouTube link of the video package by Wednesday, April 5 at 11:59 PM, to submit their video.
  • 15BN - Broadcast News Video - Students must create a 90-second to two minute news video showcasing the entire day’s events in Happy Valley. 
    • Students must go to the PSPA website (paschoolpress.org), under the “Compete” page, and share an unlisted YouTube link of the video package by Wednesday, April 5 at 11:59 PM, to submit their video.

12:30-1:30 PM — Lunch/explore campus
  • Lunch is on your own. There are plenty of dining options in the HUB. Advisers and students sometimes also take a short walk to downtown State College. Information stations in the HUB can help with directions.
  • During lunch, behind the scenes, contest entries are judged.

1:30-2:15 PM — (Optional) Bellisario Media Center Tours (Willard Hall | Donald P. Bellisario Media Center) 
  • Tour the new Bellisario Media Center in Willard Hall with Penn State students and staff.
  • Students competing in categories 13NP, 14NP, 15BF, and 15BN may want/need to use this time to revisit the Bellisario Media Center to continue getting content for their respective contests; however, they must be supervised by a chaperone or adviser.

1:30-2:30 PM - Student Journalist Roundtable (HUB | Freeman Auditorium)
  • PSPA advisers will facilitate roundtable discussions in the following groups: newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, and broadcast. 
  • Students will have the opportunity to collaborate and network with fellow journalists to discuss challenges and successes related to writing, photography, publishing, leadership, and design for each type of publication. 
  • Students will also have the opportunity to hear from the Pennsylvania New Voices cohort on updates related to this important piece of legislation in Pennsylvania. 

2:30-3:00 PM — From the Yearbook Room to First Year at Penn State: How PSPA Student Journalism Prepared Me for Majoring in Advertising (HUB | Freeman Auditorium) 
Lucy Bickel, Penn State (‘26)/2022 Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year
  • Lucy Bickel, 2022 PSPA Jane Blystone Student Journalist of the Year, is a  current Advertising student at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and an Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor. 
  • When not studying in the Media Center, Lucy can be found at the Bryce Jordan Center as a Graphic Design Intern for Penn State Athletics or in the Carnegie Building as the American Advertising Federation Nittany Group Plans Book Designer. 
  • As Penn State was always her dream school, Lucy is so fortunate to attend Bellisario as the college has countless resources and opportunities to help her pursue her dream job of Creative Director.

3:15-3:45 PM — Awards (HUB | Freeman Auditorium)
  • We will recognize the Journalism Teacher of the Year, Journalism Administrator of the Year, Student Journalist of the Year, and Keystone winners for yearbook, newspaper, and literary magazine. 
  • The ceremony usually ends between 3:45-4:15 PM. 
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PHOTO & VIDEO
PHOTO
  • Make sure that the students familiarize themselves with the six required shots listed in the rubric. 
  • Students can and should shoot photographs during the press conference and afternoon speaker— but respectfully and without interfering with any activities on stage.
  • During the actual contest time, the photography finalists will travel once through the room where the other finalists will compete. They will then travel with PSPA Board members to the new Bellisario Media Center. Note: One required shot must come from the Center. 
  • We welcome the photo finalists to continue taking shots, even throughout the lunchtime on your own. We encourage advisers to guide their students in any ways possible.
  • Make sure that student photographers have gathered enough information to write quality captions/cutlines, as these are assessed in judging.
VIDEO
  • Students can and should shoot video during the press conference and afternoon session — but respectfully and without interfering with any activities on stage.
  • During the actual contest time, the video finalists will travel once through the room where the other finalists will compete. They will then travel with PSPA Board members to the Bellisario Media Center. 
  • We welcome the video finalists to continue taking shots, even throughout the lunchtime on your own. We encourage advisers to guide their students in any ways possible.

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. 

“If we do not reveal all the possible journalism careers and opportunities to our students who love it, we are doomed because nobody will, especially in this tough time for journalists across the country. PSPA has partnered up with many colleges and universities across PA to make that happen for you and your kids. We are so excited to offer you incredible, rejuvenating, media days once again that might just replenish your so-tired spirit, and that just makes us smile.” — Paul Fantaski (SJC Chair)

Stuff You Need for our Fall Regional SJCs:
Site - Event Date - (Registration Start Date-Registration Deadline)

Bloomsburg - October 7 - (9/19-9/30)
Point Park - October 21- (10/3-10/14)
Temple - October 21 (tentative) - (10/3-10/14)
PSU Behrend - October 28 - (10/10-10/21)
Slippery Rock - October 28 - (10/10-10/21)
Saint Francis - November 2 - (10/13-10/26)
York College - November 4 - (10/17-10/28)
PSU Berks - November 16 - (10/27-10/9)

Email me with any questions, folks. See you at the contests. — Paul Fantaski
If for some reason you cannot attend this year, can you let us know why? We want to let our sites know what to expect, as they’ve been so gracious with PSPA.

Regional Competition Map

Picture
Board Members by Region ​

Region 1 (Penn State Behrend): Jane Blystone & Stacey Hetrick
Region 2 (Point Park): Aaron Fitzpatrick
Region 3 (Slippery Rock): Paul Fantaski & Meghan Adams
Region 4 (St. Francis): Nate Thompson
Region 5 (Bloomsburg): Paul Fantaski
Region 6 (York College): Lisa Sands & Alex Strickler
Region 7 (Penn State Berks): Jon Bickel 
Region 8 (Temple): TBD

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.
  • 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