Pennsylvania School Press Association

  • Home
  • News
  • Awards
    • Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year
    • Journalism Teacher of the Year
  • Compete
  • Critiques
  • Membership
    • Member Schools
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • News
  • Awards
    • Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year
    • Journalism Teacher of the Year
  • Compete
  • Critiques
  • Membership
    • Member Schools
  • Contact Us

NEWS

EMMAUS HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER DENISE REAMAN RECOGNIZED AS 2020 PENNSYLVANIA JOURNALISM TEACHER OF THE YEAR

3/17/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
Pennsylvania School Press Association has chosen Denise Reaman of Emmaus High School as the 2020 state Journalism Teacher of the Year. 

Reaman advises The Stinger student newspaper, where she teaches four levels of journalism as well as ninth-grade English. Since 2009, she has coached a staff of more than 30 editors and writers involved with this award-winning print and online publication. 

Reaman’s students regularly attend PSPA regional events and National High School Journalism Conventions (NHSJC). At the fall 2019 NHSJC, Stinger staff members ranked among the top 10 in the nation for story of the year, feature writing, and editorial cartooning.

Reaman is recognized as a Certified Journalism Educator by the Journalism Education Association. She previously taught and advised journalism at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA. 

Prior to her teaching career, she worked as a news and feature reporter for The Morning Call newspaper in Allentown, PA. Her background as a professional journalist affords her the opportunity to share experiences with sound news judgment and reporting in the classroom for best practices.

“Ms. Reaman has inspired me and a number of other students to pursue careers in journalism,” former Stinger editor-in-chief Andrea Klick wrote. “Her immense guidance over the years and commitment to The Stinger has helped me grow as a person and find my passion for journalism.”
Reaman’s own passion for her subject area inspires her colleagues at Emmaus High School. 

“Rarely have I seen an educator so dedicated to the success of her students,” wrote English department chair Diane DiDona. “Generous with her time and expertise, she provides a platform for students to excel and supports them as they learn and grow. She is a person who makes a difference in students’ lives, day after day, year after year, and long after students have departed from Emmaus High School.

For many of Reaman’s students, her excellence in teaching extends beyond the English and journalism curriculum, inspiring them to greater courage and confidence.

“The journalism classroom, room 559, was an outlet for creativity; a place to be oneself — and I quickly acclimated to its loving environment,” former Stinger editor-in-chief Rachel McQuiston wrote. “Because of Ms. Reaman’s drive and motivation, we all felt inspired to produce our best work every time. I feel blessed to have learned from such a strong, confident leader.”

Pennsylvania School Press Association originated in 1925 and stands as one of the oldest scholastic journalistic organizations in the country. The organization supports K-12 student journalism statewide through journalism competitions, summer critiques, awards and recognition, mentorship for advisers, and other resources.
​

To nominate advisers for the 2020-2021 PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year, visit the PSPA website to submit applications for any active member of the organization by July 31, 2020. Nominations can be submitted by any teacher, administrator, student, or media professional. 

###

For more information about Pennsylvania School Press Association, visit www.paschoolpress.org or contact Paul Fantaski at pfantaski@gmail.com.
1 Comment

Student Journalism Competition 2019 Champions Announced

3/27/2019

0 Comments

 
Many more photos to come!
Pennsylvania School Press Association's 2019 Student Journalism Competition Finals took place on Wednesday, March 27 at Penn State University's main campus.

Students who previously qualified at regional events participated in a press conference about operations at the Penn State Creamery with Professor and Food Service Department Head Dr. Robert Roberts and Creamery Director of Sales and Marketing Mr. James Brown. Students then competed in writing, design, photography, and video categories based on the themes of the conference. 

The afternoon featured a panel on progress towards New Voices legislation in Pennsylvania with Penn State Bellisario School of Communications Professor Cindy Simmons, Student Press Law Center Director of Engagement Diana Mitsu-Klos, Freedom Area High School journalism adviser Aaron Fitzpatrick, Conestoga High School adviser Cyndi Hyatt, and student journalists from the staffs of the FHS Press and the Conestoga Spoke— Claudia Huggins, Cole Skuse, Justin Huang, Avery Maslowsky, and Audrey Kim

​
Congratulations to the following students for winning their categories at the 2019 Student Journalism Competitions. Results in the photography and video categories will be announced after the submission date.
1Y | Yearbook Caption Writing | Jeff Hudak | Northeastern HS
2Y | Yearbook Copywriting | Cole Skuse | Freedom Area HS
3Y | Yearbook Sports | Celia Chickerella | Kiski Area HS
4Y  | Yearbook Spread Design | Abby Tabachini | Northeastern HS
5N | News Story Writing | Claudia Huggins | Freedom Area HS
6N | News Feature Writing | Maddi Collins | Bellefonte Area HS
7N | Newspaper Sports Writing | Jake Wiener | Parkland HS
8E | Editorial Cartoon | Kaylee Ruiz | Emmaus HS
9E | Editorial Writing | Ronald Rohlsen | Emmaus HS
10L | Literary Magazine Poetry | Peyton Dempsey | North Allegheny HS
11L | Literary Magazine Artwork | Kierra Shreffler | Kiski Area HS
12B | Broadcast News Writing | Tory Abbott | Bellefonte Area HS
——-
13YP | Yearbook Photography | Regan Gross | Northeastern HS
14NP | News Photography | Isabelle Southard | McDowell HS
15V | Broadcast News Video | TBA

​
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, Assistant Dean Jamey Perry, Assistant Teaching Professor John Beale, and Manager of Recruitment Emily Clevenger. 
0 Comments

PSPA announces summer critique rankings for newspapers

11/4/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Once again, PSPA offered summer critiques to print newspapers in 2018. Participants were scored on essential content, photography, design, coverage, writing, and editing. All participating publications received a detailed critique from judges with commendations and suggested areas for improvement.

Congratulations to the following publications for their 2018 rankings:

GOLD
The Arrowhead, Souderton High School, Souderton
The Friar’s Lantern, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern
The Index, The Haverford School, Haverford
The Spoke, Conestoga High School, Berwyn
The Spotlight, Southern Lehigh High School, Center Valley
The Voice, Perkiomen Valley High School, Collegeville

SILVER
The Arrowhead, Montoursville Area High School, Montoursville
The Brown and White, Catasauqua High School, Catasauqua
The Falcon Flash, Lower Dauphin High School, Hummelstown
The Panther Press, Saegertown High School, Saegertown
The Purple Press, Phoenixville Area High School, Phoenixville
The Stinger, Emmaus High School, Emmaus

BRONZE
The Avonews, Avonworth High School, Pittsburgh
The Avenger, Palmerton Area High School, Palmerton

PSPA critiques are completed by experts from across the country. Member publications interested in receiving a critique must submit a completed form along with the publication submission. ​

In addition to receiving feedback from experts, submitted publications automatically become part of a statewide contest. In the first level of scoring, publications receive a scorebook with a bronze mark, silver mark, or gold mark. All publications earning an overall gold will be sent on to a new judge where publications compete against other gold award publications to determine which publications will receive the coveted annual Clyde F. Lytle All-State Keystone Award.

Learn more about how to submit your publication for a critique here.

​
0 Comments

Fall NHSJC results announced

11/4/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Several Pennsylvania publications were recognized at the annual fall National High School Journalism Convention in Chicago, IL, Nov. 1-4. Congratulations to participants listed below, and to all of our student journalists and advisers who participated in the national convention. 

NSPA Pacemaker, Individual Awards, Best in Show

[Full list of results]

Newspaper Pacemaker Finalist
The Spoke, Conestoga High School

4th Place, Best in Show — Newspaper Broadsheet
The Spoke, Conestoga High School

5th Place, Social Media Promotion
The Friar's Lantern, Malvern Preparatory School

Honorable Mention, Newspaper Front Page Design
Chase Bennett, Malvern Preparatory School


Write-Off Results

[Full list of results]

Superior, Review Writing
Rylan Bassett, Emmaus HS

Superior, Broadcast Anchor
Avery Maslowsky, Conestoga HS

Excellent, Photography Portfolio
Arianna Werner, Emmaus HS

Honorable Mention, Newswriting
Maddie Lamonica, Conestoga HS
Tabitha Nowack, Emmaus HS

Honorable Mention, Editorial Writing
Brooke Deasy, Conestoga HS
Erica Love, Emmaus HS

Honorable Mention, Feature Writing
Clare Guo, Conestoga HS

Honorable Mention, Feature Photography
Olivia Thompson, Conestoga HS

0 Comments

PSPA Members receive CSPA Gold Circle Awards, Crown Finalist recognition

10/23/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Student journalists from PSPA member publications at Conestoga High School, The Haverford School, Kiski Area High School, and State College Area High School were recently recognized as winners in Columbia Scholastic Press Association's 35th Gold Circle Awards program.

According to CSPA's website, these categories attracted 4,979 yearbook and digital media entries and 6514 print news and magazines. Judges cited a total of 655 winners for yearbook and digital media and 720 for print newspaper and magazine for either first, second, or third place, or for merit certificates.

MAGAZINES

Merit Certificate, Essays
Michael Schlarbaum, “Father and Son,” Pegasus, The Haverford School, Haverford, PA.

Merit Certificate, Non-Fiction Article
Mark Gregory, “Silenced by America,” Pegasus, The Haverford School, Haverford, PA

Merit Certificate, Photography Portfolio of Work
Intel Chen, Pegasus, The Haverford School, Haverford, PA

NEWSPAPERS

Third Place, General Feature
Claire Guo , “Conestoga Parent Treks to Medical Frontier, Wins International Competition,” The Spoke, Conestoga High School, Berwyn, PA

Merit Certificate, News Writing
Betty Ben Dor and Audrey Kim, “Contract Standstill: Board and Teachers Enter Fact-Finding,” The Spoke, Conestoga High School, Berwyn, PA

Merit Certificate, Editorial Writing
Staff, “The Walkout That Wasn't,” The Spoke, Conestoga High School, Berwyn, PA

Merit Certificate, First Person Experience
Dan Malloy, “Too Hot to Handle,” The Friar's Lantern, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA

Merit Certificate, Sports News
Sam Turner, “Brady's Boys Prepare to Take on EA,” The Index, The Haverford School, Haverford, PA

YEARBOOKS

Third Place, Photo Portfolio
Hallie Zidek, Campus, Kiski Area High School, Leechburg, PA

Merit Certificate, Feature Writing: Student Life
Sierra Hockenbury and Grace Roeshot, “Women March for Change,” Little Lion, State College Area High School, State College, PA

Merit Certificate, Sports Reporting
Kylie George, “Stretch It Out,” Campus, Kiski Area High School, Leechburg, PA

Merit Certificate, Sports Feature Writing
Taylor Craver, “Band of Brothers,” Campus, Kiski Area High School, Leechburg, PA

Merit Certificate, Alternative Story Form
Caycee Ohi, “Social Media,” Little Lion, State College Area High School, State College, PA

Merit Certificate, Cover Design
Hanna Yu, Little Lion, State College Area High School, State College, PA

Merit Certificate, Photo Portfolio
Olivia Shirley, Campus, Kiski Area High School, Leechburg, PA

Merit Certificate, Index
Hannah Oleynik and Hanna Yu, Little Lion, State College Area High School, State College, PA

Merit Certificate, Organization or Greeks Spread, One Spread
Angela Koontz and Hallie Zidek, “Our Water Color World,” Campus, Kiski Area High School, Leechburg, PA

DIGITAL MEDIA

First Place, News Feature
Dan Malloy, “Science Department Shifts to Integrated Learning,” The Friar’s Lantern, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA

First Place, Personal Opinion, Off-Campus Issues
Tommy Pero, “Elections are Like a Fourth Grade Band,” The Friar’s Lantern, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA

Merit Certificate, Informational Graphics
Staff, “FreshSurvey 2017,” The Friar’s Lantern, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA
CSPA 2018 Gold Circle Awards, Complete List

Picture
Several PSPA member publications were recently recognized as News Crown Finalists in Columbia Scholastic Press Association's 2019 Crown Awards.

According to CSPA's website, the Crown Awards honor top student publications chosen from CSPA’s members. During Crown consideration, publications are judged on excellence as evidenced by design, photography, concept, coverage and writing. A total of 1,172 publications were eligible for judging; 34 print newspapers and 60 hybrid newspapers were chosen as Finalists.

These entries were produced during the 2017-2018 academic year. Publications will be awarded Gold or Silver Crown Awards at CSPA's spring convention awards ceremony in March 2019.

HYBRID NEWS

The Friar's Lantern
Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA

PRINT NEWS

The Arrowhead

Souderton Area High School, Souderton, PA

The Spoke
Conestoga High School, Berwyn, PA
CSPA 2019 Crown Awards, Complete List
0 Comments

2018 SJC Results from Indiana University of Pennsylvania announced

10/21/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Credit: P. Fantaski
For local high school journalists, the quest to become a State Champion commenced once again when the Pennsylvania School Press Association opened up its Fifth Annual State Journalism Contests. On October 19, 24 students from southwest Pennsylvania traveled to Indiana University in the hopes of advancing to the State Finals held at Penn State Main Campus on March 27, 2019.

​PSPA President Paul Fantaski expressed his appreciation for several aspects about the event.


“It just amazes me how institutions like IUP and the Indiana Gazette truly advocate and super-support journalism in Pennsylvania schools. On behalf of PSPA, I simply must thank Hastie Kinter and Eric Eberling from the Indiana Gazette, as well as Stan Mukasa and Michele Papakie from Indiana University of Pennsylvania for their willingness to host a SJC Regional on October 19. Most importantly, 12 student journalists from outstanding southwestern PA schools will advance to the State Championships.”

Contests involved literary design, photography, copywriting, sports-writing, editorial cartoon, broadcast media, and poetry talents. Only the top-scoring competitor in each Regional contest category qualified to attend the State Finals.

PSPA proudly announces the following students as 2018-19 State Finalists:
  • Cassie Shoupe - Yearbook Caption Writing - Kiski Area HS
  • Celia Chickerella - Yearbook Sports Writing - Kiski Area HS
  • Kelly Hollinger - Yearbook Spread Design - Kiski Area HS
  • Emily McWilliams - Yearbook Spread Design - Kiski Area HS
  • Debra Spaid - Newspaper News Writing - Purchase Line Area HS
  • Hannah Steele - Newspaper Feature Story - Indiana Area HS
  • Brice Hockoluck - Editorial Cartoon - Kiski Area HS
  • India Krug - Editorial Writing - Indiana Area HS
  • Heath Boylstein - Literary Magazine Poetry - Kiski Area HS
  • Kierra Schreffler - Literary Magazine Stand-Alone Artwork - Kiski Area HS
  • Libby Scutt - Yearbook Photography - Kiski Area HS
  • Martina Webb - Yearbook Photography - Kiski Area HS
1 Comment

Freedom Area High School Teacher Aaron Fitzpatrick recognized as Pennsylvania Journalism Teacher of the Year

9/4/2018

1 Comment

 
PictureAaron Fitzpatrick
Pennsylvania School Press Association has chosen Aaron Fitzpatrick of Freedom Area Senior High School as the 2018-2019 state Journalism Teacher of the Year.

Fitzpatrick advises the FHS Press student newspaper, the Shawnee yearbook, and the Bulldog Beat broadcast program. Both the FHS Press and Shawnee have earned numerous regional, state and national awards. He is a nationally Certified Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association. He is also certified as a Google Certified Educator.

Fitzpatrick was chosen as a fellow, through a rigorous selection process, to attend the ASNE Reynolds High School Journalism Institute at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Az, in June 2013.

Kayla Eaton, FAHS '18, who served as Editor-in-Chief of the Shawnee Yearbook and FHS Press, said, "I can attest to the incalculable value of what he has taught each of his students. These valuable lessons have caused not only our publications to thrive, but also each of us in our everyday lives. Mr. Fitzpatrick’s level of understanding, engagement, knowledge, and passion is what makes him not only one of the best teachers I have ever had, but is what contributes to the overall quality of our publications.”

“Students in his class are always at major school functions reporting on the events of the district,” Freedom Area High School social studies teacher Nathaniel Langelli stated in his recommendation. “At school board meetings, members of the staff cover the meeting to ensure transparency. Not only do they report on these various activities, but they do so without complaints. They take journalism seriously.”

“Mr. Fitzpatrick instills a passion and a desire for quality and constant improvement in each of the student journalists he advises. They share a collective desire to never rest until their absolute best has been achieved,” principal William Deal stated. “His commitment to the highest standards inspires students to reach beyond their self-imposed limits to achieve at levels they could not imagine were possible on their own. He has taught them the value of teamwork, collaboration and perseverance.”

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Fitzpatrick also serves his school district as their public relations director, senior class sponsor, and as a building representative for the Freedom Area Education Association. His expertise as an educator has also earned him The Golden Apple Award through the Prevention Network & Class Academy, in Baden, Pa.

In January 2018, Fitzpatrick was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of Pennsylvania School Press Association. Pennsylvania School Press Association originated in 1925 and stands as one of the oldest scholastic journalistic organizations in the country. The organization supports K-12 student journalism statewide through journalism competitions, summer critiques, awards and recognition, mentorship for advisers, and other resources.

To nominate advisers for the 2019 PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year, visit the PSPA website to submit applications for any active member of the organization by June 15, 2019. Nominations can be submitted by any teacher, administrator, student, or media professional.

###
​

For more information about Pennsylvania School Press Association, visit www.paschoolpress.org or contact Paul Fantaski at pfantaski@gmail.com.

1 Comment

Summer 2017 Publication Critique Results Announced

11/26/2017

1 Comment

 
Pennsylvania School Press Association has announced full results of the summer 2017 publication critiques.

A publication critique is an evaluation of a publication's quality based upon a rubric. PSPA invites experts from across the country to complete critiques for member schools each summer, and advisers receive detailed notes and ratings based on the critique rubric. Member schools submit yearbook, literary magazine, and newspaper publications for critique consideration by June 30 each year.

In addition to receiving feedback from experts, submitted publications automatically become part of a statewide contest. All publications earning an overall gold award are sent on to a new judge. PSPA awards the Clyde F. Lytle All-State Keystone Award to one publication in each gold category annually. The results of the Keystone Awards will be announced at the spring Student Journalism Competition at Penn State University on Tuesday, March 27.

Congratulations to the following publications for their 2017 critique rankings.

YEARBOOK

GOLDS:  
  • Pottsville Area High School (Hi-S Potts)       
  • North Allegheny Senior High School (Safari)
  • Northeastern High School (Daedalus)
  • Eastern Lebanon County High School (Sigma)
  • Fleetwood Area High School (Tiger Tale)

SILVER:
  • Kiski Area High School (Campus)
  • Conestoga Valley High School (Pioneer)
  • Kiski Area Intermediate School (Transition)
  • Milton Hershey School (Acropolis)
  • Owen J. Roberts High School(Ledger)
  • Central York High School (Panther)
  • Malvern Preparatory School (Malvernian)
  • Big Spring High School (Waterwheel)

LITERARY MAGAZINE

GOLDS:     
  • Penncrest HS (Gryphon)
  • Merion Mercy Academy (Image Explosion)
  • Emmaus High School (Collage)
  • North Allegheny High School (Variations)
    
SILVER:    
  • Fleetwood Area High School (Artifact)
  • MMI Prep (Angst)
    
BRONZE:    
  • Bensalem High School (Creativity on Paper)
  • Gettysburg High School (Interrobang)

NEWSPAPER

GOLDS:         
  • Conestoga High School (The Spoke)
  • Emmaus High School (The Stinger)
  • Phoenixville Area High School (The Purple Press)
  • Souderton Area High School (The Arrowhead)
  • Pottsville Area High School (The Castle)
  • Southern Lehigh High School (Spotlight)
  • Malvern Preparatory School (The Friar’s Lantern)

SILVER:
  • Catasauqua High School (The Brown and White)
  • Pleasant Valley High School (Bear Facts)
  • Montoursville Area High School (The Arrowhead)
  • Avonworth High School (Avonews)
  • Palmerton Area High School (Avenger)






1 Comment

Kate Plows Recognized as PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year

8/18/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
The Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA) honors Kate Plows as the 2017 Pennsylvania Journalism Teacher of the Year. Plows, art and journalism teacher and adviser of The Blackfriar Chronicle, and the digital publication, The Friar’s Lantern at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, Pa., will receive the PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year Award at the Spring PSPA Conference held at Pennsylvania State University at University Park in March of 2018.

Plows, who finished her fifth year of advising this spring, built a nationally recognized journalism program in just three years. Student editors of The Blackfriar Chronicle were named PA Student Journalists of the Year in 2016 and 2017, with national recognition from the Journalism Education Association (JEA) for the Student Journalism Impact Award in 2016. The staff has won numerous state and national individual honors, while the publication was awarded the prestigious 2017 Silver Crown Award by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association of Columbia University.


Read More
1 Comment

JEA HONORS LISTER WITH ASPIRING YOUNG JOURNALIST AWARD

7/23/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Journalism Education Association has named Joseph Lister of West Chester, Pennsylvania, the 2017 Aspiring Young Journalist Award honoree. JEA presents this award to junior high/middle school students to acknowledge and reward their work, and to encourage them to continue their journalistic studies in high school.

Bryn Valdez of Parker, Colorado, was selected as runner-up.
​
Joseph served as a reporter for The Blackfriar Chronicle newspaper at Malvern (Pennsylvania) Preparatory School for all three years of middle school. While this publication served the high school grade levels of his school, he was the only middle school student who kept showing up for staff meetings, eager to take on reporting assignments.

 READ MORE AT JEA.ORG 
​


0 Comments
<<Previous

    Categories

    All
    Announcements
    Member Voices
    Press

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    August 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016

    RSS Feed

ABOUT PSPA
The mission of the Pennsylvania School Press Association is to promote excellence and responsibility in scholastic journalism through developing students who possess sound journalism skills, demonstrate ethical decision making and recognize, uphold, and advocate First Amendment rights through responsible citizenship and informed media consumption.
CONTACT US
​Questions? Can't find something on our site? Contact us!

Aaron Fitzpatrick - PSPA President

afitzpatrick@freedomarea.org

PSPA Mailing Address
P.O. Box 385
​Manchester, PA 17345
Picture
Pennsylvania School Press Association     Copyright © 2022-2023     www.paschoolpress.org