2012 Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Santa Clara University Communication Department High School Journalism Competition.

News Story

First Place
Miranda Roethler
Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Kara Tambellini
"Shelving Books"


Roethler, writing for Blowfish, an online student publication, examined the fate of independent bookstores and the printed word in the age of digital publishing. Judge Jeremy Herb, a reporter for The Hill, commented: "The author is clearly a talented writer and has a style that's both sophisticated and easy to read."

Feature Story

First Place
Camille Gacoscos
Jefferson High School
Daly City, CA
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton Callahan
"Holocaust Survivor Shares Painful Past"


In Tom-Tom, the Jefferson High student newspaper, Gacoscos movingly detailed the life of George J. Elbaum and his struggle for survival during World War II. Judge Mick Normington called it a "compelling story that captured a compelling life."

Sports Story

First Place
Sam LeFeber
Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Kara Tambellini
"Real Racing, Real Tracks, Real Drivers, Real Cheap Cars"

LeFeber describes the world of amateur auto racing in a fast-paced story that appeared in Blowfish. Judge Max Garrone praised the story's "incredible and compelling" use of quotes, and the author's ability to capture the racing scene.

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

Deadline is May 4th

Just a reminder that the deadline for the 2012 contest is May 4th. Please have your entries postmarked by that date. The entry form can be downloaded from the tab above or the link in the right-hand column.