Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: West Chicago High School Entry Title: Fine arts enrollment rebounds after pandemic disruptions Entry Credit: Wil Cooper, Lilyana Bonilla Judge Comment: I really like this story. It looks at the arts in your school in terms of involvement, and showcases the drive of the teachers to make changes. Good statistics and background to support the story, and good interviews with your sources. Looked at all the angles. Nice lead. Would have been nice to come back to that at the end…sights and sounds today. Nice job.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Prospect High School Entry Title: Disruptive Empathy Entry Credit: Peter Radosh Judge Comment: Excellent interview with Mr. Camardella to shed light on the complex situation. Good opening and closing with the student to frame the piece. And good background and explanation
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Prospect High School Entry Title: The great divide Entry Credit: Amanda Feinberg Judge Comment: Excellent news feature. It’s your school figuring out how to navigate this strange political time. Good interviews with administration and teachers, and good background and explanation. Anchors the spread well.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Maine West High School Entry Title: Beauty at a cost Entry Credit: Irene Han Judge Comment: Some of this reads like a report, especially the third graph, which is really long and intense. Separate out the quotes into their own paragraphs. Good blend of local sources and expertise. Nice opening and great information. Nicely done.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: West Chicago High School Entry Title: West Chicago residents protest ICE amid rumors, misinformation Entry Credit: Sami Moesch, Leo Mendoza Judge Comment: What a scary time for your students and the community. This is really a news story but you have added a few feature writing techniques, especially in the opening and in breaking into sections. Good structure and sourcing to get to the heart of the protections, etc.
