2013 Santa Clara University Communication Department High School Journalism Competition Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Santa Clara University Communication Department High School Journalism Competition

News Story

First Place
Vijay Edupuganti
Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Kara Tambellini
"The Few. The Proud. The Pained."

Edupuganti, writing for Blowfish, an online student publication, explores the mental health challenges faced by war veterans and profiles the healthcare workers trying to provide care and outreach in this compelling story.

Second Place (Tie)

Laura Darken

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Teaching to the Test”

Second Place (Tie)

Julia Raven

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Bridging the Academic Gap”

Feature Story

First Place
Natalie Lerner
Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Alana Kaholokula
"Sex in the City Schools"

Lerner describes the evolution of sex education in Portland schools in a heavily reported and well-written story that appeared in Blowfish.

Second Place (Tie)

Anna Hardcastle

North Shore Hebrew Academy High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: April Zabinksy

“R.I.P. Amanda Todd”

Second Place (Tie)

Chloe Cheng

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Things to Know Before You Go: College Myths Exposed”

Second Place (Tie)

Lauren Gabrio
Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Robin Schauffler
"A Room for Mercy"

Sports Story

First Place
John Truong
San Gabriel High School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Jennifer Kim
"Team Rituals and Cheers Increase Overall Confidence"

Writing in The Matador, Truong describes pre-game sports rituals with great detail and insight.

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.

Winners from Oregon Episcopal School

Seniors Sam and Miranda from the Oregon Episcopal School in Portland won first-place awards in the 2012 Santa Clara University High School Journalism Competition. Both submitted projects they had done as part of the Literary Journalism Project in junior English classes with teachers Kara Tambellini and Rick Rees (at right). Sam won first place in sports writing for his article titled "Chump Car Racing: Real Racing, Real Tracks, Real Cheap Cars." Miranda received first place in news writing for "Shelving Books? The Fate of Independent Bookstores and the Printed Word." The stories were published in the Upper School's online newspaper, the Blophish, and can be read there by clicking the links above.