Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: University of Chicago Laboratory High School Entry Title: Audio: Dungeons & Dragons fosters creativity, connection Entry Credit: Light Dohrn Judge Comment: Fine storytelling here. Good use of audio at the outset, but actuality could have been better mic’d.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: University of Chicago Laboratory High School Entry Title: Audio: Through self-discovery about identity, students gain independence Entry Credit: Ari Novak Judge Comment: Solid, newsy opening for a story more important than ever. Awkward, choppy audio editing. Would have benefitted from perspectives outside of those students being profiled—like educators, parents, counselors.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Kaneland High School Entry Title: Kaneland Boys Varsity Basketball Ends Historic Season with Super-Sectional Loss to DePaul Prep Entry Credit: Audrey Walker Judge Comment: Poor production. Off-mic voice. A piece that sounds crafted like a print article, not produced for the ear.
Ends abruptly, after actuality—with no signoff or concluding remarks by the reporter.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Kaneland High School Entry Title: Kickin’ it With the Krier: Kaneland Life | Senior Sarah Slattery Entry Credit: Casper Suehs, Isa Alba Judge Comment: Volume so low as to be almost inaudible. Well structured interview, but could have benefitted from lots of editing to keep things rolling.
Competition Comment: The top two in this category are equally qualified for the top prize. Can we make it a tie?
