Student Journalism Competitions
Isn’t it time that we celebrate journalistic talent and ability with the same gusto that Pennsylvanians celebrate accomplishments in music, theater and sport? The PSPA SJCs are a morning of education and competitions for every student journalist in Pennsylvania. Featuring writing, design, and artistic opportunities similar to those offered at the Journalism Education Association’s semi-annual conventions – but near you, and at affordable prices. That’s PSPA’s SJCs.
Fall 2018 Regional Dates & Sites
Take the best of the PSPA Convention, and then take the best of JEA-style Write-Offs, and squish them into one high-energy morning. Regional SJCs take place at universities throughout the state.
Take the best of the PSPA Convention, and then take the best of JEA-style Write-Offs, and squish them into one high-energy morning. Regional SJCs take place at universities throughout the state.
- PSU Behrend – October 19
- IUP — October 19
- St. Francis University — October 26
- Point Park University — November 2
- PSU Berks — November 2
- Temple University – November 5
- Harrisburg Area Community College – November 13
Regional SJC Schedule
At most of the regional events, the day will look like this (note: times may vary slightly at each location).
- 8:30: Registration
- 9:00 - 9:45: Welcome and Keynote Address
- 9:50 - 10:40: SESSION ONE: Newspaper, broadcast and literary magazine competitions. Sessions with professionals
- 10:45 - 11:30: SESSION TWO: Editorial and yearbook competitions. Sessions with professionals
- 11:35 - 12:15: Break Out Sessions
- 12:15: Dismissal (Lunch on your own)
Students should bring a pen or pencil if competing.
Competition Fee
The fee for each student from PSPA member schools to attend a SJC workshop and compete in an above category is $12.00. PSPA annual memberships include five complimentary entrance fees to the fall SJCs.
Only member schools can compete in the SJCs. Not a PSPA member? Become a member today!
State Finals
After a team of journalism experts evaluates the work of your students (and all students will receive helpful feedback on their submissions), winners for each competition will be announced. 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 what’s good for PA student journalism, and tomorrow’s journalism community.
Our winners then will meet again in March at PSU University Park for our PSPA SJC State Finalists competition. The day’s schedule will follow the Regional Schedule described above.
Competition Categories
On-Site (Write-Off) Competitions
1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write a caption for five pictures provided. Captions must tell a complete story. They should have a minimum length of two complete sentences.
2Y - Yearbook Copy Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.
3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.
4Y - Yearbook Spread Design (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will design a yearbook spread based on a theme.
5N - Newspaper News Story Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.
6N - Newspaper Feature Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.
7N - Newspaper Sports Story Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.
8E - Editorial Cartoon (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will be given an information sheet on a topic of general interest. After reading the material, students will design a cartoon relevant to the material. Judges will look for a simple and clear editorial statement and evidence of artistic ability and a creative approach.
9E - Editorial Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
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 evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will write an original poem for a literary magazine using the theme and length given. Title the poem and clearly indicate lines through identification and the use of margins. Students are to exhibit an understanding of poetry, its conventions, punctuation and potential to create a setting, convey a tone, connect to feelings and to delve beyond the surface.
11L - Literary Magazine Stand-Alone Artwork (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will be given a poem written by a professional poet. After reading the poem, students will create a drawing that is relevant to the poem and that would accompany the poem in the literary magazine.
12B - Broadcast Writing (view evaluation rubric / view sample prompt)
Students will be given six stories that they must convert into broadcast style. The script should be 90 seconds long (give or take 5 seconds) and adhere to the conventions of broadcast writing.
Carry-In Competitions
13YP - Yearbook Carry-In Photos (view evaluation rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit three different photos digitally at the time of registration AND bring printed 5X7 or 8X10 copies of each photo submitted at the time of registration with them on the day of the competition.
Photo Requirements:
- Photo One: Capture a Moment Photo (Action and/or Emotion) - Judges will look for how well the photographer froze an athletic moment or how much an emotional shot moves them. The photographer must choose only one.
- Photo Two: Club / Music Shot: Make it Special - Judges will look for a fresh view of clubs or music, specific to his/her school.
- Photo Three: Best in Show Shot - (Must have a human in the photo) Judges will look for a shot that takes their breath away. It should tell a story without the need for any explanation.
14NP - Newspaper Carry-In Photos (view evaluation rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit three different photos digitally at the time of registration AND bring printed 5X7 or 8X10 copies of each photo submitted at the time of registration with them on the day of the competition.
Photo Requirements:
- Photo One: Capture a Moment Photo (Action and/or Emotion) - Judges will look for how well the photographer froze an athletic moment or how much an emotional shot moves them. The photographer must choose only one.
- Photo Two: Club / Music Shot: Make it Special - Judges will look for a fresh view of clubs or music, specific to his/her school.
- Photo Three: Best in Show Shot - (Must have a human in the photo) Judges will look for a shot that takes their breath away. It should tell a story without the need for any explanation.
15A - Carry-In News Package Video (view evaluation rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit a video file at the time of registration. (New this year - up to three students may contribute to each package.)
15B - Carry-In Feature Package Video (view evaluation rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit a video file at the time of registration. (New this year - up to three students may contribute to each package.)
