2011 Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 Santa Clara University Communication Department High School Journalism Competition.

News Story

First Place
Maru Arellano
Jefferson High School
Daly City, CA
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton Callahan
"Citizenship dreams dissipate with end of DREAM Act"

Arellano, writing for the Tom-Tom student newspaper, chronicled the failure of an immigration reform bill to pass the Senate. Judge Jeremy Herb, a Washington correspondent for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, wrote: "Very nice reporting that explains and localizes a national issue."

Feature Story

First Place
Jamie Brown
Jefferson High School
Daly City, CA
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton Callahan
"Ocular enthusiasts go gaga over new contacts"

Brown explored the latest Lady Gaga-inspired fashion trend for the Tom-Tom student newspaper. Judge Katie Powers, a freelance journalist, praised Brown's "strong voice" in a story that was "engaging, crisp and fun to read."

Honorable Mention
Olivia Ly
KIPP San Jose Collegiate
San Jose, CA
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Keely Sweeny Gabbert
"Samantha Alberto on Call of Duty"

Sports Story

First Place
Clarence Ramirez
Jefferson High School
Daly City, CA
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton Callahan
"Softball season strikes out"

Ramirez reveals the real reason there will be no softball played at Jefferson High this year. Judge Max Garrone, an online media consultant, wrote: "Excellent quotes reflect your strong reporting in this story."

Thanks to all the schools and student journalists who participated in this year's competition. Critiques for all entries will be mailed to journalism advisers.