Winners of the 2015 Santa Clara University Communication Department High School Journalism Contest

Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Santa Clara University Communication Department High School Journalism Competition

News Story

First Place
Naomi Zhao

Oregon Episcopal School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Rick Rees

“Genetic Engineering: Creating babies with three parents”

Writing for The Aardvark Dig at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Zhao examines the use of genetics to prevent birth defects, as well as the ethical implications of DNA research and funding.

Second Place

Vikul Gupta

Oregon Episcopal School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Rick Rees

“Evaluating the Aid-Givers: How a Portland lab and its commercial counterpart are revolutionizing third-world aid”

Gupta presents an indepth portrait of how non-profits and commercial enterprises are partnering in the developing world.

Honorable Mention

Collin Moore

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod
"Leadership Strives for Lights”

Moore examines the efforts of the student government at San Marin High School to secure lighting for a campus sports facility.

Feature Story

First Place
Calla Slayton

Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Robin Schauffler
"The Dividing Line"

Slayton movingly captures the reality of mental illness with a compelling profile of an art gallery where artists and their work are showcased in a positive light.

Second Place

Isabella Waldron

Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Rick Rees
"A Case Study of a Contemporary Singer-Songwriter"

Waldron’s profile captures the life of a singer-songwriter, but also provides a primer on musical styles and creativity.

Honorable Mention

Kate Pippenger

Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Robin Schauffler
"Becoming Gods"

Pippenger’s portrayal of Portland Taiko is a history of the Japanese drum and a portrait of a group of musicians dedicated to their craft.

Sports Story

First Place
Nick Corbani

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod
“NFL Taking a Hit for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse”

Corbani reflects on the behavior of professional athletes and the NFL’s response to domestic violence in the San Marin Pony Express.

Second Place

Skyler Goldstein

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

"A Return to Glory"

Goldstein breaks down the decline of soccer powerhouse FC Barcelona and offers a prescription for improvement.

Thanks to all the schools and student journalists who participated in this year's competition.