Blog Posts - Pennsylvania School Press Association

Registration open for Fall 2018 SJCs

9/12/2018

Registration is open for the fall 2018 Student Journalism Competitions (SJCs).

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. SJCs have categories in yearbook, newspaper, photography, literary magazines, and broadcast— take a look.

Remember, only member schools can send students, so make sure you have paid your 2018-19 membership fee. Level One Membership ($100) comes with three complimentary SJC entrance fees paid. Level Two (Full School) Membership ($150) comes with six.

NEW THIS YEAR:

Want to take a test-run of the competition categories with your students? Sample prompts for each category are posted for you to download and try with your staff. We hope these samples will provide students with an idea of what to expect. As always, you can also download the rubrics our judges will use for scoring.

We have two new SJC sites— St. Francis University and Indiana University of Pennsyvania.

In the carry-in news categories (15A + 15B), up to three students are welcome to team up on an entry.

Finally, do you know another publication or adviser whose students would enjoy the SJCs? If so, please forward this email on and encourage them to become PSPA members and attend the upcoming SJCs.

Each of the sites listed below links to the registration page. We look forward to seeing you at our fall events..

Indiana University of PA (Oct. 19 - Registration due in by Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.)
PSU Behrend (Oct. 19 - Registration due in by Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.)
St. Francis (Oct. 26 - Registration due in by Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.)
PSU Berks (Nov. 2 - Registration due in by Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.)
Point Park (Nov. 2 - Registration due in by Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.)
Temple (Nov. 5 - Registration due in by Oct. 29 at 1 p.m.)
Harrisburg Area Community College (Nov. 13 - Registration due in by Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.)

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

9/4/2018

Aaron 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.

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

Pennsylvania Press Club 2018 High School Communications Contest Awards Announced

4/23/2018

On April 19, the Pennsylvania Press Club shared results from their annual high school communications contest. "We were very pleased to receive more than 100 entries in this year’s contest and entries in multiple categories," contest organizers Kay Stephens and R. Thomas Berner stated.

PSPA is grateful to the Pennsylvania Press Club for organizing programs that recognize the hard work of our student journalists. Congratulations to our PSPA member schools who earned recognition in this contest.

Big Spring High School

BEST NEWSCAST: RADIO OR TV
1st place to Big Spring High School -- Adam McKeehan, Jamie Yaukey, Emily Parrish, Ava Mowery, Ishmael Kirkwood and Hannah Custer

Eastern Lebanon County High School

YEARBOOK LAYOUT
1st place for Haille Kern of Eastern Lebanon County High School for 2016 Election Spread.
2nd place for Sarah Yermalovich, Eastern Lebanon County HS for “Sports Showstopper”

YEARBOOK PHOTO
1st place to Haille Kern, Eastern Lebanon County High School for “Homecoming”
3rd place to Sarah Yermalovich, Eastern Lebanon County High School for “Pumped Up”
Honorable Mention to Haille Kern, Eastern Lebanon County High School for “Unstoppable”

YEARBOOK COPYWRITING
1st place to Sarah Yermalovich, Eastern Lebanon County High School for “Fast and Furious”

Emmaus High School

FEATURE
2nd place to Lily Day, Will Newbegin and Cathryn Seibert of Emmaus High School for “Send(ing) nudes: the duality of sexting”
3rd place to Julia Popule of Emmaus High School for “Dancer reaches for the barre”

REVIEWS
1st place to Will Newbegin, Emmaus High School, for “Migos keep it consistent with culture.”
2nd place to Ryan Bassett, Emmaus High School, for “Baby Driver worth seeing and hearing”

CARTOONING
1st place to Angeline Stein, Emmaus High School, Emmaus for “Emotional politics -- Trump”
Honorable mention to: Kaylee Ruiz, Emmaus High School, Emmaus, Pa. for “Statue of Liberty”

DOUBLE-TRUCK LAYOUT
Honorable mention to Cathryn Seibert of Emmaus High School for “Send(ing) nudes: the duality of sexting”

Freedom Area High School

OPINION
1st place to Kayla Eaton of Freedom Area High School, Freedom, for “Equal pay is just common cents”

Malvern Preparatory School

EDITORIAL
1st place to Editorial Board, Malvern Preparatory School for “Shifting the Conversation”
2nd place to Editorial Board, Malvern Preparatory School, for “Fraternity means more than its reputation”

OPINION
Honorable mention to Eric McLaughlin of Malvern Preparatory School, for “Addressing the security protocol on campus”

NEWS
Honorable mention to Kyle Leonard, Malvern Preparatory School for “Armenia service trip canceled”

FEATURE
1st place to Alex Haylock, Michael Harrington, Dan Malloy, Liam McKnight and Billy Corcoran of Malvern Preparatory School for “When the Vapor Clears”
Honorable mention to Alex Haylock of Malvern Preparatory School for “Keeping up with Kaloso”

SPORTS
2nd place to Garrett Hallinan and Kyle Leonard, Malvern Preparatory School, for “Talking Concussions at Malvern”
3rd place to Garrett Hallinan, Malvern Preparatory School for “The Return of O’Shaan Allison”

NEWS OR FEATURE PHOTO
Honorable Mention to Alex Haylock of Malvern Preparatory School for “Malvern celebrates Christmas Break”

SPORTS PHOTO
Honorable Mention to Steve O’Meara, Malvern Preparatory School, West Chester, for “Football Begins Inter-AC”

GRAPHICS/PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
1st place to Chase Bennett for Malvern Preparatory School for “When the vapor clears”
2nd place to Chase Bennett and Ethan Rowley of Malvern Preparatory School for “Freshman Survey 2017”

SINGLE PAGE LAYOUT
3rd place to Chase Bennett, Malvern Preparatory School for “The Return of O’Shaan Allison”
Honorable mention to Chase Bennett, Malvern Preparatory School...for January 2018 front page “Building”

Saegertown Jr. Sr. High School

EDITORIAL
Honorable mention to Livia Van Cise at Saegertown Junior-Senior High School, for “Bring back senior release”

OPINION
2nd place to Kaity Gage of Saegertown Junior-Senior High School, Meadville, “What it’s like to live with a concussion”
3rd place to Hannah Nicholson, Saegertown Junior Senior High School, for “Should college visit days count toward total student absences?”

FEATURE
3rd place to Kassie Boyd and Kantz Braeden of Saegertown Jr.-Sr. High School for “Saegertown teacher first woman to compete...”

SPORTS
Honorable mention to Bailey Kozalla, Saegertown Junior-Senior High School, for “Arrows fly in Pennsylvania archery season”

COLUMNS/BLOGS
1st place to Paula Stachuletz, Saegertown Junior-Senior High School, for “Stachuletz Stories”

CARTOONING
3rd place to Morgan Radwick, Saegertown Junior-Senior High School, Saegertown, Pa., for “Dress Code”

Full contest results available at the linked file below.

First place winners in each category move on to the National Federation of Press Women's High School Communications Contest for another round of competition. Those contest results should be available at the end of May.

2018_ppc_hs_winners__1_.pdf
File Size:	95 kb
File Type:	pdf

Student Journalism Competition 2018 champions announced

3/28/2018

Slideshow of photos from our Yearbook and Photography winners at the 2018 SJCs

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

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.

Photos courtesy of Penn State University

PSPA congratulates 2018 Student Journalist of the Year, runners-up

3/16/2018

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.

Managing Editor Ian Ong explains the design of a graphical element to Editor-in-Chief Eric Xue. The informational graphic would later be run in the February 2018 issue of The Spoke.

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.

Information for SJC State Finalists

2/14/2018

With a little over a month until the PSPA State Journalism Contest Finals, here’s some useful information for advisers and students who will be traveling to the finals at Penn State University on March 27.

Advisers may bring three additional students to the event who will not compete, in addition to students who have qualified for the finals.

DO THIS NOW: All advisers and student attendees must complete registration for a ‘Welcome to Penn State ID Card.’

Use this link.
Here’s more instructions to complete the process.
Please contact pfantaski@gmail.com if you need help.

NEXT: Please review general and contest-specific information about the SCJ finals at this link.

SCHEDULE:

March 27 - PSU HUB - Registration from 9:30-10:00
Welcome and Opening - 10:10-10:30
Press Conference: Miss Pennsylvania, Katie Schreckengast — 10:40-11:20
Competitions - 11:30-12:20
Lunch on own - 12:20-2:15
Featured Speaker - 2:15-2:45 - TBA
Featured Speaker - 2:45-3:15 - Kevin Cirilli, Bloomberg News (via Skype)
Awards - 3:15-3:45

Student participants in all contests that are based on the press conference (see contest information here) will produce journalistic content based on Katie Schreckengast’s press conference. Students are encouraged to do some research in preparation, take notes, and ask questions when provided with an opportunity.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:
Hub Dining Options
Printable Map

PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEO RELEASE FORM:
In order to be featured on the PSPA website, we ask that you have students and parents complete this release form BEFORE traveling to the finals competition. Please deliver your completed forms to the registration desk when you arrive on March 27.

Any questions? Please contact pfantaski@gmail.com if you need help. We look forward to seeing our qualifiers in State College on March 27!

PSPA recognizes 2018 Keystone All-State Awards

2/13/2018

The Pennsylvania Scholastic Press Association is proud to announce the 2018 publication winners of the Clyde F. Lytle Keystone All-State Awards.

The path to these annual awards begins with a summer critique submission, open to all PSPA member schools. In addition to receiving feedback from experts in journalism education, submitted publications automatically become part of a statewide contest. All publications earning overall “gold” recognition during the critiques are sent on to a new judge, where these are evaluated alongside other gold-ranked publications to determine the Keystone All-State Awardees.

Congratulations to the 2018 Awardees who will be recognized at the PSPA Statewide Scholastic Journalism Competition at Penn State University on March 27:

Yearbook:

Daedalus, Northeastern High School
Safari, North Allegheny Senior High School

Newspaper

The Castle, Pottsville Area High School

Literary Magazine

Variations, North Allegheny Senior High School
Gryphon, Penncrest High School

The Clyde F. Lytle Keystone All-State Award was named in 2012 for PSPA’s first president, Clyde F. Lytle, professor at The Keystone Normal School, now known as Kutztown University. One of the buildings on the Kutztown campus is named for Dr. Lytle. He became the first president of PSPA in December of 1925. Besides being remembered for his work in education, he is known for his collection of inspirational verse, Leaves of Gold.

The Pennsylvania School Press Association originated in 1925 and stands as one of the oldest scholastic journalistic organizations in the country. PSPA recognizes and support student journalism programs in Pennsylvania through journalism competitions, summer critiques, awards and recognition, mentorship for advisers, and other resources.

Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year 2018 applications now open

1/18/2018

Pennsylvania School Press Association is now accepting applications for the 2018 Pennsylvania Student Journalist of the Year. Completed applications are due by March 1, 2018.

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.

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.

Please visit our application page at this link for more information.

Student applicants should have the following materials ready to submit at the time of application:

Adviser, school, and parent/guardian contact information
Portfolio website
Resume (PDF format)
Transcripts, or counselor statement of classes and grades. Student should be a high school senior and should have an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (PDF format)
Three letters of recommendation from those who know the applicant well and understand the impact of the journalistic experience on the student’s life. No letter should exceed two pages in length. (PDF Format.)
Action photograph of student involved in student journalism and caption for this photograph
Self-analytical essay: Students should write with passion and make an impact on the judges because this essay functions as the applicant’s one-on-one interview with the judges. Essay should not exceed two pages in length. (PDF or document format)

Congrats to our 2017 Student Journalist of the Year State Finalists. #JEA #nhsjc #AwardsCeremony pic.twitter.com/trMOmZKagT
— JEA (@nationalJEA) April 9, 2017

2017 Student Journalism Competition Results: Temple University, November 8

12/7/2017

Congratulations to the following State Finalists for the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s 2017-18 State Journalism Contest held at Temple University on November 8. Each student has earned the right to travel to University Park on March 27, 2018 to vie for the State Championship in his/her respective categories.

NEWSPAPER
News Story Writing - Sarah Trebicka, Southern Lehigh High School
Feature Writing - Saskia Van’t Hof, Southern Lehigh High School
Sports Story Writing - Townsend Colley, Southern Lehigh High School
Editorial Writing - Sarah Jacobson, Southern Lehigh High School

To qualify for the State Finals, students had to place first (or tied for first) in their respective competition categories. Additionally, each category requires a qualifying score to advance, as defined on the PSPA General Rules and Information Sheet.

2017 Student Journalism Competition Results: Penn State Berks, November 3

12/7/2017

Congratulations to the following State Finalists for the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s 2017-18 State Journalism Contest held at Penn State Berks on November 3. Each student has earned the right to travel to University Park on March 27, 2018 to vie for the State Championship in his/her respective categories.

NEWSPAPER
News Story Writing - Anna Gillen, Pleasant Valley High School
Feature Writing - Rylan Bassett, Emmaus High School
Sports Story Writing - Vidisha Pandey, Owen J. Roberts High School
Editorial Cartoon - Kaylee Ruiz, Emmaus High School
Editorial Writing - Eric McLaughlin, Malvern Preparatory School
Carry-In-Photos - Arianna Werner, Emmaus High School & Emma Brashear, Emmaus High School (Tie)

LITERARY MAGAZINE
Poetry - Dylan Tran, Malvern Preparatory School
Stand-Alone Artwork - Otavio Albuquerque, Emmaus High School; Bailey Slusser, MMI Prep School; & Julia Snyder, MMI Prep School (Tie)

YEARBOOK
Caption Writing - Julia Popule, Emmaus High School
Story Writing - Abigail Perkins, Emmaus High School
Sports Story Writing - Sarah Yermalovich, Eastern Lebanon County High School
Spread Design - Ashton Zillhardt, Governor Mifflin High School
Carry-In Photos - Haille Kern, Eastern Lebanon County High School

To qualify for the State Finals, students had to place first (or tied for first) in their respective competition categories. Additionally, each category requires a qualifying score to advance, as defined in the PSPA General Rules and Information Sheet.

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!

Paul Fantaski, PSPA President
pfantaski@gmail.com

PSPA Mailing Address
P.O. Box 385
Manchester, PA 17345

Pennsylvania School Press Association Copyright © 2018-2019 www.paschoolpress.org