Past Winners

2023

News Story

First Place

Arden Margulis
Menlo-Atherton High School
Atherton, California
Publication: The M-A Chronicle
Story: Paper Tutoring: Over Half a Million on a Tutoring Service Few Use

Olivia Atkinson and Nidhi Thummalpalli
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Publication: The Campanile
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Story: Are You Ready?

Andrew Ma and Ylin Zhu
California High School
San Ramon, California
Publication: The Californian
Adviser: Brian Barr
Story: Dublin teens allegedly attack Cal student in class last week

Karuna Chandran, Madhavi Karthik and Macy Li
Homestead High School
Cupertino, California
Publication: The Epitaph
Adviser: Natalie Owsley
Story: Tackling racial disparities in AP classes

 

Finalists

Lucy Li
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Publication: The Campanile
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Story: Out for Blood

Rohan Iyer
California High School
San Ramon, California
Publication: The Californian
Adviser: Brian Barr
Story: AP classes affected by teacher shortage

Kate Quach
St. Ignatius High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Carole Nickolai
Publication: Inside SI
Story: San Francisco Youth Find Urgency Post Roe v. Wade Overturning

---

Feature Story

First Place

Evan Leong
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Publication: Scot Scoop
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Story: The science Behind the Law

Karina Aronson
Pinewood High School
Los Altos Hills, California
Publication: The Perennial
Adviser: Kim Wetzel
Story: Examining Pinewood's Sex Ed Curriculum

Kalyani Puthenpurayil and Dahlia Schilling
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Publication: El Estoque
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Story: Hair Down

Kinnera Mulam
The Harker School
San Jose, California
Publication: Harker Aquila
Adviser: Whitney Huang
Story: It’s about the culture, it’s about all we bring to this country

Krish Dev and Taryn Lam
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Publication: El Estoque
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Story: Arms Across Oceans

 

Finalists

Xianna Romprey
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco, California
Publication: The Crusader
Adviser: Susan Sutton
Story: Mitchell's scoops up seven decades of serving SF

Kaitlyn O'Neill
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Publication: The Dig
Story: From the Margins to the Main Stage: The Journey of Asian Representation in Theatre

Aiden Olsen
Saint Francis High School
Mountain View, California
Publication: SFHS Environmental Club Newsletter
Adviser: Emily Thomas
Story: SCUSD Farm: Harvesting New Definitions for Sustainability in the Bay Area

Owen Yeh-Lee
The Nueva School
San Mateo, California
Publication: The Nueva Current
Adviser: LiAnn Yim
Story: Vox Populi: Opening the Birdcage

---

Sports Story

First Place

Mattea Rothenberg
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Anna Fortner
Publication: The Dig
Story: Does Fighting Solve Everything? Step Into The Ring And Decide For Yourself

Melody Cui and Kathryn Foo
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Publication: El Estoque
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Story: The Virtual Glass Ceiling

Christina Chang
Saratoga High School
Saratoga, California
Publication: The Saratoga Falcon
Adviser: Michael Tyler
Story: An athlete’s journey: learning to quit

 

Finalists

Dimitri Lykidis
Palisades Charter High school
Publication: Tideline
Adviser: Lisa Saxon
Story: Cross Borders and Story: Breaking Boundaries: How Cesar Aubour Pursues his Footballing Dreams

Alec Bonnard
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Publication: The Campanile
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Story: Students weigh risks, rewards of betting on March Madness

2022

News Story

First Place

Jack Quach
St. Ignatius High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Carole Nickolai and Peter Devine
Publication: Inside SI
Story: Emotionally scary: Inside Stanford Health Care’s battle with the Delta variant

Henry Gewecke
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Christopher Patrick Miller
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: Life on Death Row

Erin Loh, Nicole Kim, and Lia Klebanov
Homestead High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Natalie Owsley
Publication: The Epitaph
Story: Evolving discipline policy prompts conversation

Rachel Hostetler
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: BVNW News
Story: Petition calls for censure and removal of Jim McMullen from the Blue Valley School Board

Sophia DiGiovanni and Nicholas Harvey
California High School
San Ramon, California
Adviser: Brian Barr
Publication: The Californian
Story: San Ramon chains inconsistent on vaccine checks prior to lifting order

Maya Campbell
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: Behind the Walls: The story of San Quentin News

 

Finalists

Christina Chang
Saratoga High School
Saratoga, California
Adviser: Michael Tyler
Publication: Saratoga Falcon
Story: District to review plan for solar panel farms in mid-June

Megan Yates
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: BVNW News
Story: Bathroom racial slur prompts teachers to take action

Clementine Cunningham
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: The Silence of the Bees: The changing world endangers pollinators

Andrew Ma
California High School
San Ramon, California
Adviser: Brian Barr
Publication: The Californian
Story: Vandals hit classrooms, bathrooms

Jack Quach
St. Ignatius High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Carole Nickolai and Peter Devine
Publication: Inside SI
Story: Lives have been shattered: The heartbreak of war in Ukraine finds voice in "Slava Ukraini!" humanitarian concert

---

Feature Story

First Place

Amishi Chandra
Lynbrook High School
San Jose, California
Adviser: Josh Miller
Publication: Epic
Story: 18 Under 18

Ashley Adams, Alex Cowdrey and Reagan King
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: BVNW News
Story: The Hookup Hype

Izaan Masud
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: The realities of firefighting in California

Lucas Cohen-d'Arbeloff
Harvard-Westlake School
Studio City, California
Adviser: Jim Burns
Publication: The Harvard-Westlake Chronicle
Story: Parenting with Pride

 

Finalists

John Stanley
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Christopher Patrick Miller
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: Destructive Deeds

Pun Siripun
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Josina Reaves
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: Not Just Spicy: How a History of Thai Gastrodiplomacy shaped the palate of Portlanders

---

Sports Story

First Place

Alex Chen
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Christopher Patrick Miller
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: A Rich Kid Sport

 

Finalists

Mahkai Hunt
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Susan Sutton
Publication: The Crusader
Story: First female footballer finds fame

Talia Bumanglag
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Susan Sutton
Publication: The Crusader
Story: Female baseball player creates a league of her own

Cebelli Pfeifer
Woodside High School
Woodside, California
Adviser: Gwen Sidley
Publication: Woodside Paw Print
Story: The Story of Woodside's Mysterious "Trackman"

2021

News Story

First Place

Written by Emily Moser and Julia Moser
Photos by Grace Davis and Mitri Krishna
Design by Sabrina San Agustin
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: The Express
Story: Silenced: A current BVNW student and alumni share their experiences regarding racism and discrimination in Blue Valley

Amelia Ulmer
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Kara Tambellini
Publication: The Dig
Story: Our Children, Our Future: The Role of CASAs in the Foster Care System

Gina Bae, Gianna Brogley, and Avantika Singh
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: Title IX: Reporting sexual misconduct at PAUSD

Andrew Ma
California High School
San Ramon, California
Adviser: Brian Barr
Publication: The Californian
Story: Band department awaits fourth director in four years

 

Finalists

Written by Maddie Oliver and Lizzie Lively
Photos by Mitri Krishna
Design by Erin Reece
Blue Valley Northwest
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: The Express
Story: Living Through Fear

Isabelle Coburn
California High School
San Ramon, California
Adviser: Brian Barr
Publication: The Californian
Story: Zoom bombers target Cal High’s video conference with Vietnam War veterans

Emma Johnson
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: The Express
Story: FBI opens civil rights investigation into 2018 police shooting of BVNW student

Lance Tong
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Publication: El Estoque
Story: The Rise and Fall of CUSDs Enrollment and Expenditures

Frances McConnell
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Christopher Miller
Publication: The Dig
Story: The Charitable Lines of a Broken System: Healthcare for our Most Forgotten Citizens

---

Feature Story

First Place

Hudson Fox
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: The American dream: A journey to the land of opportunity

Sarah Fazioli
Saint Francis High School
Mountain View, California
Adviser: Narciso Bernardo
Publication: Know the Globe
Story: Sister Goods Bay Area: How Two High Schoolers are Ensuring That a Period Ends Nothing But a Sentence

Anushka De and Prisha Tiwari
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Publication: El Estoque
Story: The experience of too many women

 

Finalists

Payton Zolck
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: Through the Generations

Marrisa Chow
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: Femme Fatale helps customers find their inner femme 

Written by Julia Moser and Elizabeth Caine
Photos by Grace Davis
Design by Alyssa Peterson
Blue Valley Northwest
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: The Express
Story: Road to Recovery 

Jack Quach
St. Ignatius High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Peter Devine and Carole Nickolai
Publication: San Francisco Examiner
Story: Pop-up farmers market finds its way into the hearts of the Outer Sunset

Anushka De and Oishee Misra
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Publication: El Estoque
Story: Tiny Love Stories 

Nico Johnson
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Peter Kraft
Publication: The Dig
Story: Tough Times and Good Luck

---

Sports Story

First Place

Isabelle Nunes
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: Beyond the glamour: The world of ballroom hides behind its competitive nature 

Sophia Anderson
Woodbridge High School
Irvine, California
Adviser: Cassandra Taylor
Publication: The Golden Arrow
Story: Heading Towards Yale with Swim Skills, Smarts, & a Surplus of Sass

 

Finalist

Bo Wyatt
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Susan Sutton
Publication: The Crusader
Story: Breakdancing pops onto Olympic stage, locks in fans for 2024 games

2020

News Story

First Place

Benjamin Stein and Sarah O'Riordan
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: District Meets with InFocus after Censorship Attempt

Jenna Weyforth and Raabia Qureshi
Blue Valley Northwest
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: The Express
Story: Cash-strapped in the Valley

Navi Chawla and Janya Sundar
Mountain View High School
Mountain View, California
Adviser: Amy Beare
Publication: The Oracle
Story: City Council Pushes Out Residents Living in Mobile Homes

 

Finalist

Julia Wagner
Mountain View High School
Mountain View, California
Adviser: Amy Beare
Publication: The Oracle
Story: Wellness in Education: Addressing the Increase in Counseling Referrals

---

Feature Story

First Place

Jenna Weyforth
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: The Express
Story: Breaking Up the Nuclear Family

Emma Wetsel
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Kara Tambellini
Publication: The Dig
Story: The Death of the Mountains: An Examination of the Cruel History and Modern-Day Toxicity Embedded in Mountaineering Culture

Isabelle Nunes
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Scot Scoop
Story: Overcoming Obstacles in Foster Care

 

Finalists

Iman Malik and Brian Xu
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Publication: El Estoque
Story: Family Together: Exploring the Lives of Students and Teachers in Single Parent Families

Angela Deanne Paloma
California High School
San Ramon, California
Adviser: Brian Barr
Publication: The Californian
Story: Students Go Nocturnal During Shelter-in-Place

Emma Robertson
San Marin High School
Novato, California
Adviser: Scott MacLeod
Publication: San Marin Pony Express
Story: Community Addresses Presence of Discrimination

---

Sports Story

First Place

Maya Rathore
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: Weighting for Change

Steven Rissotto
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Susan Sutton
Publication: The Crusader
Story: From Manager to 'MVP': The Legend of D Steves

Andrew Sousa and Gina Wu
California High School
San Ramon, California
Adviser: Brian Barr
Publication: The Californian
Story: Should Freshmen Be Allowed in Independent PE?

 

Finalists

Justine Ha and Stuti Upadhyay
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite
Publication: El Estoque
Story: Playing the Mental Game

Ella Weigel
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: Horizon
Story: 5, 6, 7, State

Samantha Chu
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: Highlander
Story: Under the surface of the diving team

Brianna Comstock
Fenwick High School
Oak Park, Illinois
Adviser: Theresa Steinmeyer
Publication: The Wick
Story: Students Reflect on the IHSA Shutdown

2019

News Story

First Place

Vivienne Tran
San Marin High School
Novato, California
Adviser: Scott MacLeod
Publication: The Pony Express
Story: Teachers Address Need for ELD Program Reform

Spencer Williams
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Kara Tambellini
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: You, Trusting Yourself, Go Down The Rabbit Hole

Anna Cowden
Blue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park, Kansas
Adviser: Jim McCrossen
Publication: BVNWnews.com
Story: 2018 Graduate Camille Sturdivant Files Civil Lawsuit Against District

 

Finalists

Emma Robertson
San Marin High School
Novato, California
Adviser: Scott MacLeod
Publication: The Pony Express
Story: Students and Staff Reflect on Racism Awareness Walkout

Noah Baum and Kennedy Herron
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: Former student client discloses personal experiences working with indicted college counselor Rick Singer

Jamar Kittling
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco, California
Adviser: Susan Sutton
Publication: The Crusader
Story: SF Supervisors Ponder Shuttering Juvenile Hall

---

Feature Story

First Place

Aarya Gupta, Aishwarya Jayadeep, Katie Fung, Eden Pollitt and Gianella Ordonez
Homestead High School
Cupertino, California
Adviser: Natalie Owsley
Publication: The Epitaph
Story: Breaking the Silence: Students Grapple with the Issue of Sexual Assault Close to Home (A package of stories, statistics and graphics)

Annie Chen, Miranda Li and Johnny Yang
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: Diving Into Divorce

 

Finalists

Duncan Baumgarten
West Valley High School
Fairbanks, Alaska
Adviser: Selena Moore
Publication: The Wolfpack Weekly
Story: The Arc of Moral History Bends Towards Justice

Max Fitzloff
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Kara Tambellini
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: A Dignified Death

Sophie Chen
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Kara Tambellini
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: Oregon's Gamble

---

Sports Story

First Place

Kai Vetteth
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: Online Athletes: Club Showcases Students' Esport

Kimberly Mitchell
Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
Adviser: Justin Raisner
Publication: The Highlander
Story: Girls Gain Skills One Pin at a Time

 

Finalists

Harper Hummelt
Oregon Episcopal School
Portland, Oregon
Adviser: Lindsey Zanchettin
Publication: The Aardvark Dig
Story: The Mat: Wrestling for Change

Paige Knoblock
Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto, California
Adviser: Rod Satterthwaite
Publication: The Campanile
Story: Racing to the Top

 

2018

News Story

First Place

Gauri Kaushik

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

Publication: El Estoque

Story: "Me Too: MVHS Alumni Share Their Sexual Assault Stories"

 

First Place

Annika Prom

Mountlake Terrace High School

Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Adviser: Vince DeMiero

Publication: The Hawkeye

Story: A Period Piece

 

First Place

Adri Penix

Mountain View High School

Mountain View, California

Adviser: Amy Beare

Publication: Mountain View High School Oracle

Story: "Homelessness and Unstable Housing"

"We were inspired to investigate students with unstable housing when we found several articles about it in the San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury News. We sent a team of two reporters, Nisha Malley and Amira Patrawala, and our photographer Hallie Olson to Rengstorff Park. They were able to capture life in the park and detail personal stories of trailer residents and police relations that made this article a powerful contribution to our community."

— Adri Penix, journalist, Mountain View High School

 

Finalist

Talia Fine

Carlmont High School

Belmont, California

Adviser: Justin Raisner

Publication: The Highlander

Story: "Social Media Puts a Filter on Death"

 

Finalist

Roman Peregrino

Archbishop Riordan High School

San Francisco, California

Adviser: Susan Sutton

Publication: The Crusader

Story: "DACA Repeal Could Defer American Dream"

---

Feature Story

First Place

Chetana Ramaiyer and Vivian Chiang

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

Publication: El Estoque

Story: "The Waiting Game"

 

First Place

Georgia Greenblum

U.S. Grant High School

Portland, Oregon

Adviser: Chris Hawking

Publication: Grant Magazine

Story: "Through Grace's Eyes"

 

Finalist

Mazey Perry

Community High School

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Adviser: Tracy Anderson

Publication: The Communicator

Story: "Please Don't Tell Me Everything Will Be Okay"

 

Finalist

Lauren Fischer and Anna Levine

Blue Valley Northwest High School

Overland Park, Kansas

Adviser: Jim McCrossen

Publication: The Express

Story: "The Mental Health Awakening"

"Our high school publications — print, broadcast, social media and online — keep the Blue Valley Northwest High School community informed in Overland Park, Kansas. We are lucky enough to live in a free press state with anti-Hazlewood laws, so the student journalists don’t have to worry about censorship from adults. The students at our school, as well as parents and community members, look to these students to give them an accurate and truthful account of the school — not public relations material. The student journalists work hard to keep the community up to date on the news, features, sports, opinions through words and visuals."

— Jim McCrossen, publications adviser, Blue Valley Northwest High School

 

Finalist

Kendall Duffie

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, Oregon

Adviser: Lindsey Zanchettin

Publication: The Aardvark Dig

Story: "The Dream of Their Ancestors: Past, Present, and Future"

---

Sports Story

First Place

Jamar Kittling

Archbishop Riordan High School

San Francisco, California

Adviser: Susan Sutton

Publication: The Crusader

Story: "Fencers Remain En Garde for Next Competition"

"Journalism is important at Archbishop Riordan HIgh School because students learn, refine, and practice important life skills such as researching, interviewing, and writing on deadline. In addition, students set the tone to be responsible citizens by practicing First Amendment rights and making it possible for their peers to stay on top of current events on campus, in their community, and the world at large."

— Susan Sutton, media adviser, Archbishop Riordan High School

 

Finalist

Stuti Upadhyay

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

Publication: El Estoque

Story: "Hit the Slopes"

 

Finalist

Akshara Majjiga

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

Publication: El Estoque

Story: "Climbing Kilimanjaro"

 

Finalist

Sunjin Chang and Aanchal Garg

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

Publication: El Estoque

Story: "Riding West"

 

2017

News Story

First Place

Keven Ariel Munoz

The Crusader

Archbishop Riordan High School

San Francisco, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton

"Food Debris in Hallways, Classrooms Prompts Eating Ban in Building"

 

In this clear, well-sourced story, Munoz skillfully covers a topic that affects all students at his high school — where they can eat.

 

Judge’s Comment: "Munoz's article is engaging and well-executed, and features an abundance of memorable quotations and humorous descriptions."

            — Jimmy Flynn, '18, current Editor-in-Chief of The Santa Clara newspaper.

 

Finalist

Jennifer Cheung
The Matador

San Gabriel High School

San Gabriel, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Jennifer Kim

"April Lockdown: A Look Across Campus"

 

Finalist

Emily Mottern

The Aardvark Dig

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, Oregon

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Lindsey Zanchettin

“Therapy Behind Bars”

 

Finalist

Sara Barkouli

The Aardvark Dig

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, Oregon

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Lindsey Zanchettin

“What Makes an American: Islamophobia in the Greater Portland Area”

---

Feature Story

First Place

Isabel Mitchell

Scotlight

Carlmont High School

Belmont, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Just Raisner

“‘Great ‘Sex’pectations: The Effects the Media Has on Your First Time”

 

Mitchell explores the myths and reality of teenage sexuality in a comprehensive story that draws on candid interviews, academic studies, and medical research.

 

Judge’s Comment: “Isabel does a great job taking a sensitive subject like sex, and making it accessible through a mix of personal stories and scientific studies. Sex can be difficult to talk about, especially in high school, but Isabel's story shows why it's an important subject to address outside of popular culture."

— Kurt Wagner, '12, former editor of The Santa Clara and current business and technology journalist with Recode.

 

First Place

Anna Levine

The Express

Blue Valley Northwest High School

Overland Park, Kansas

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Jim McCrossen

"Breaking Down Barriers"

 

Levine captures the topic of gender identity with breath and depth with compelling quotes that enable students to tell their own unique stories.

 

Judge’s comment: “Anna Levine’s well-reported story nicely weaves his subjects’ personal stories with important context from school experts. I love that she takes you inside one of the student’s homes by talking to a parent, too.”

— Jeremy Herb, '08, former editor of The Santa Clara and current CNN national security reporter covering Congress and the Russia investigations.

 

First Place

Ilena Peng

El Estoque

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

“Taking the High Road”

 

Peng presents a compelling, in-depth profile of a former student and her struggles with drug addiction.

 

Judge’s Comment: “Ilena's story addresses a difficult topic, student drug use, intimately and sensitively, balancing her subject's rich personal narrative with context from experts and other sources.”

— Joe Tone, '01, former editor of The Santa Clara, and current freelance journalist and author of Bones: Brothers, Horses, Cartels, and the Borderland Dream.

 

Finalist

Michael Jaurigui

The Crusader

Archbishop Riordan High School

San Francisco, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton

"The Mission: A Cultural Enclave Forever Changed"

---

Sports Story

First Place

Om Khandekar

El Estoque

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Julia Satterthwaite

“Keep Tahoe True”

 

Khandekar chronicles the changes in the skiing and snowboarding scene in Lake Tahoe as large corporations buy up more resorts.

 

Judge’s Comment: “Khandekar's rich, well-reported story dives into how a Bay Area holiday staple is transforming into a high-priced luxury jaunt. Khandekar nails down hard facts on the prohibitive costs while elevating the story with color and quotes from locals — all packaged into a smart, attractive layout.”

— Jack Gillum, '06, former editor of The Santa Clara and current reporter on the investigative team of The Washington Post.

 

Finalist

Jacob Taylor

The Crusader

Archbishop Riordan High School

San Francisco, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton

"Move to Remove Native American Mascots Advances"

 

Finalist

Lucas Schwartz

The Aardvark Dig

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, Oregon

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Kara Tambellini

“Hell on Wheels: Portland's Rose City Rollers”

2016

News Story

First Place

Amairani Roman

Pony Express

San Marin High School

Novato, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Freshmen Break Closed-campus Lunch Rule”

Roman reports on student dissatisfaction with cafeteria food and the practice of leaving school for lunch in this well-sourced investigation of how rules are enforced — or not — on campus.

Finalist

Andrea Schlitt

El Estoque

Monta Vista High School

Cupertino, California
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Michelle Balmeo

"After the War: Cupertino Veterans Share Stories of Return and Adjustment"

Finalist

Elise Kuechle

The Aardvark Dig

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, Oregon

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Sarah Grenert-Funk

“A Second Simplicity: Death with Dignity in Oregon”

---

Sports Story

First Place

John Vavuris

Pony Express

San Marin High School

Novato, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Run, Williams, Run: The Story Behind the Strides”

Vavuris explores the role running plays in the life of teacher Adam Williams in this in-depth, well-written profile.

---

Feature Story

First Place

Choha Kim

The Wildcat

Brea Olinda High School

Brea, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Alexander Koers

“Culture Shock to the Max”

With a compelling and highly personalized style, Kim chronicles her year in the United States after moving from Suwon, South Korea, describing the rewards and challenges she and other ESL students faced.

Finalist

Collin Moore

Pony Express

San Marin High School

Novato, California

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Minorities Speak Out on Racial Acceptance and Diversity”

Finalist

Julia Witteman

The Aardvark Dig

Oregon Episcopal School

Portland, Oregon

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Kara Tambellini

“Hot Rods: A Cultural Phenomenon”

2015

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 in-depth 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.

2014

News Story

First Place

Sabrina T. Leung

Carlmont High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Justin Raisner
"Flushing Out the Gender Separation" 

Writing for the Scot Scoop News at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, Leung covers the challenges transgender students face when using public restrooms. She provides in-depth reporting on the emotional aspects of the issue, as well as insight into the inconsistent legal patchwork of city, county, and state laws in place

Second Place

Ben Rosenbaum

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod

“Traditions Altered for Gender Equality”

Honorable Mention

Arianna Bayangos

Carlmont High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Justin Raisner
"Bullying on Social Media"

---

Feature Story

First Place
Lillian Massaro
Oregon Episcopal School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Robin Schauffler
"Just Say Hello"

Massaro captures life at a homeless encampment with a long-form approach that is sympathetic, clear-eyed, and meticulously researched. The story was published in The Aardvark Dig at the Oregon Episcopal School in Portland.

Second Place

Teo Calvario

Jefferson High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Susan Sutton

“Fans Bid Final Farewell to Candlestick Park”

Honorable Mention

Olivia Lamont

San Marin High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Scott MacLeod
"I Need to be Buff"

---

Sports Story

First Place

Elia Chen

Monta Vista High School
Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Michelle Balmeo

"Four-foot-two MVHS Alumnus Ran Boston Marathon"

Chen profiles Danh Trang, a runner with far more ambitious goals than just finishing the Boston Marathon. The result is a compelling portrait of an athlete, a race, and a dream that appeared in El Estoque at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, California.

Second Place

Elaine Luong

Capistrano Valley High School

Journalism Teacher/Adviser: Tara Razi

"Divers Commit to Top Colleges"

2013

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.

2012

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.

2011

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 theTom-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."

2010

News Story

First Place

Andrew Sulayao

San Lorenzo High School

"Budget Cuts Affecting SLZUSD for 2010-2010"

Sulayao, editor-in-chief of the Rebel Record student newspaper, chronicled how budget cuts would affect San Lorenzo schools. Judge Will Harper, managing editor of SF Weekly, commented: "Budget stories are difficult because they can be boring and confusing. But this was clear and it captured the conflict over what would be cut."

---

Feature Story

First Place

Naomi Cohen

Mountain View High School

"Speaking Habits Based on Surrounding Culture"

Cohen explored the enduring popularity of the "Valley Girl" lingo and its cultural implications. Judge Chris Colin, a freelance journalist who has written for The New York Times, Mother Jones, and Smithsonian commented: "I love that Cohen takes a strong opinion right from the start, and doesn't dilute it with equivocal language; when she finds something disturbing, she says so. What's more, she doesn't just coast on her own impressions. She seems driven by a genuine curiosity."

---

Sports Story

First Place

Janel Johnson

Jefferson High School

"Going, Going, Gone! Budget Cuts May Strike Out Baseball Team

Johnson detailed how budget shortfalls endangered the school baseball team. Judge Jeremy Herb, who is a reporter for theMinneapolis Star-Tribune, commented: "Clear, concise writing style that's easy to follow. Nice story!"

2009

News

First Place

Katie Garcia

“New Program Pays Graffiti Snitches”

Jefferson High School

Daly City, California

Honorable Mention

Michael Remedios

“A Powertrip”

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory

San Francisco, California

---

Feature Story

First Place

Ali Solon

“A Cinderella Story”

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

San Juan Capistrano, California

Honorable Mention

Katrina Ramos

“Isn’t It Bromantic?”

Jefferson High School

Daly City, California

---

Sports Story

First Place

Sandra Bernal

“Players Limp Off Field, Hang Up Cleats”

Jefferson High School

Daly City, California

Honorable Mention

Carlos Orellana

“Trading Pompoms for Football Pads”

Jefferson High School

Daly City, California