Scoop Repeats As Cornhusker Winner
by Michael Buresh
For two years in a row, and in four of the last six years, the David City High School Scoop newspaper staff has won the Cornhusker Award. This award is not just any particular award though; it is the Nebraska high school journalism's highest honor.
The award is based on a judges evaluation of how the paper does in areas such as coverage, writing, design, and photography. Diane Schutt, the judge who had evaluated The Scoop, felt the newspaper was top of the line. "Your efforts at writing, design, and photography are outstanding. Your small staff could put many large school newspapers to shame. I commend you and your adviser on a great all-around job," Schutt said. Along with the Cornhusker award, The Scoop received the Golden Kernel Award for excellence in particular areas as well. Areas in which awards were received were Outstanding Opinion Page Writing and Content, and another in Strong Overall Design.
This
year's journalism class, consisting of senior Michael B, juniors
Carly B, Danielle D, and sophomores Elizabeth H, Emma M, and
Daulton V traveled to the University of Nebraska Lincoln to attend
the Nebraska High School Press Association Fall Convention on Oct.
19. While there each staff member was assigned to a different
session where he/she learned more about a specific area of high
school journalism. Danielle, who attended the Reporting In-Depth
session, felt she had learned a lot more than she already knew. "I
learned how to interview the right way, and that you shouldn't
hesitate to write stories that require a lot more time and work
than those that only take a month to write," she said.
After a
welcome speech, two teaching sessions, lunch, and a Keynote
speaker, the award ceremony was the highlight of the day. The
Cornhusker Awards are based on the previous years issues that had
been sent in over the summer to be judged. Last year's
award-winning Scoop staff included 2009 graduates Jesse B, Michaela
H, and Travis W, and returning members Michael B, Carly B, and
Danielle D.
During this ceremony, awards are given out for both school
newspapers and yearbooks.
In the last two years, David City High was the only Class C school to win, and overall this year only seven Cornhusker Awards were presented to school newspapers throughout Classes A-D.
Journalism adviser Larry Griffiths has strong opinions on the winning staff and their dedication towards the school paper. "I am very proud of the staff and their efforts. To win the Cornhusker two years in a row is a feat that very few schools can claim. The Scoop now has a reputation across the state as being one of the best, the cream of the crop," he said.
