Groves Students Win First Place in National Journalism Contest

Journalism students at Groves High School are turning heads at a national level, after the staff at the Scriptor, Groves' student news magazine, won first place at the 2012 American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) national contest.

The Scriptor is led by senior editors Katia Lev and Jake Rezeppa. Their advisor is Groves English teacher, Laura Redman.

Each year, ASPA's panel of journalists and educators rank student newsmagazines from both colleges and high schools across the country, looking at their coverage, research and writing, page design, art and photography, business plans, creativity and editing.

This year, the Scriptor scored high enough in all categories to take home the first place prize, earning particlarly high scores on their coverage, research, writing and thematic coherence. 

"Your magazine shows the superior efforts of talented and creative editors, writers, artists, photographers, layout/graphics designer, staff members and adviser," the congratulations letter to the Scriptor staff reads.

The Scriptor was also awarded the Overall National Award for Best Photograph, one of only three scholastic newspapers to receive this award, two of which were college newspaper. The photo, taken by Brittney Jernigan, depicts Groves girls basketball player Maddie Jursek fighting off Seaholm defenders during a game last year.

This report was provided by Laura Redmond.