Pennsylvania School Press Association's Student Journalism Competition Finals took place on Tuesday, March 27 at Penn State University.

Students who previously qualified at regional events participated in a press conference with Miss Pennsylvania USA Katie Schreckengast, then competed in writing, design, photography, and video categories based on the themes of the conference. 

The afternoon featured a question-and-answer session with Penn State alumnus Kevin Cirilli, Chief Washington Correspondent at Bloomberg News, who joined students via videoconference from the White House. Emily Kohlman, a current Penn State student double-majoring in journalism and Russian, discussed her international journalism experiences.

Congratulations to the following students for winning their categories at the 2018 Student Journalism Competitions. Results in the photography and video categories will be announced after the submission date.

• Yearbook Photography - Kaylee Sheidegg - Central York HS
• Newspaper Photography - Kaycee Orwig - North Allegheny HS
• Yearbook Caption Writing - Madeline Sulava - Kiski Area HS
• Yearbook Story Writing - Tabitha Nowak - Emmaus HS
• Yearbook Sports Writing - Sarah Yermalovich - ELCO HS
• Yearbook Spread Design - Abby Tabachini - Northeastern HS
• News Story Writing - Rachel DeCesaris - Freedom Area HS
• News Feature Writing - Hillary Twiford - Saegertown HS
• News Sports Writing - Ben Pagani - Blackhawk HS
• Editorial Cartoon - Paula Stachuletz - Saegertown HS
• Editorial Writing - Ethan Woodfill - Avonworth HS
• Lit Mag Poetry - Riley Smith - North Allegheny HS
• Lit Mag Artwork - Otavio Albuquerque - Emmaus HS
• Broadcast Writing - Eddie Fitzgerald - Bellefonte Area HS
• Carry-In Feature Package Video - Laurie Esposito - Central York HS
  

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PSPA is grateful to our hosts at Penn State University for the organizational and on-site support, especially to Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications Dean Marie Hardin and Manager of Recruitment Emily Clevenger.

Pennsylvania School Press Association is proud to announce that Conestoga High School senior Ian Ong is the 2018 Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year.

Ong has been on the staff of Conestoga’s monthly newspaper, The Spoke, since 2014. This year he serves as Managing Editor, and in previous years he has been the Center Spread Editor and Co-Student Life Editor. One of the judges noted, "Ian worked to shed light on those not normally in the spotlight and worked to bring awareness to his school community."

​The Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year award was named for Dr. Jane Blystone in 2011, and includes a $500 scholarship for the winner. The Pennsylvania scholarship winner moves on to the national JEA SJOY competition. Winners will be announced at the National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco this April.

PSPA is also proud to celebrate three runners-up in this year's SJOY contest. A judge noted, "These portfolios were difficult because they were so good! Pennsylvania does a great job training tomorrow's journalists, based on these students."

​Daniel Malloy of Malvern Preparatory School currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Friar's Lantern, and has previously served as Investigative Reporter and Arts Editor. Our judge noted, "Dan understands the role of credible journalism and used his publications to bring change to his school."

Kayla Eaton of Freedom Area High School currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Shawnee Yearbook and FHS Press, and Social Media Director of the Shawnee Yearbook. Our judges noted, "​Kayla cares about her school community and her publications staffs. Her content decisions as yearbook editor, social media director and newspaper staff member bring information and positive energy to her readers."

Grace Marion of Neshaminy High School is currently in her second year as Editor-in-Chief of my high school's student newspaper, The Playwickian, and previously served as Arts and Entertainment Editor, Graphics Editor, and a Staff Writer. Our judges noted, "Grace has not let roadblocks hinder her desire to inform readers on stories they need and want to know."

The Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year competition standards and rubrics align with the Journalism Education Association's Student Journalist of the Year competition. The annual competition is open to senior student journalists and requires the completion of an online portfolio aligned with JEA's curriculum standards.

​Please visit the JEA SJOY page for information about preparing a portfolio. Sample portfolios from last year's state winners are posted on JEA's site. Portfolios for the 2019 Student Journalist of the Year will be due in early spring 2019.