2006 A Cut Above, Yearbook by MIPAMSU

a cut above The Best of the Best from the 2005 Individual Category Yearbook Contest Michigan Interscholastic Press Association

The Cover Photo

Holly Brown, a sophomore at Inland Lakes High School, is caught â&#x20AC;&#x153;unspoken and cluelessâ&#x20AC;? about static electricity during a school wide event. Photo taken by Kyle Dopke, Inland Lakes HS, First Place Winner, Feature Photo Category.

Published by Michigan Interscholastic Press Association 305 Communication Arts Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 353-6761 Fax: (517) 355-7710 E-mail: mipa@msu.edu Web site: mipa.jrn.msu.edu

January 2006

Dear Friends of Journalism:

his is the tenth issue of Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s A Cut Above, which contains the best of high school journalism in Michigan. The purpose of this booklet is twofold: 1) to showcase the first-place winners in the MIPA Individual Category Newspaper and Yearbook Contest and 2) to act as a guide for students and advisers preparing contest entries for the 2005-2006 competitions. In the following pages you will find stories and art by first-place winners among the five divisions (Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4 and Middle School) for both yeabook and newspaper. We have included category descriptions and judging criteria for each category. This is how we determine divisions: We look at the number of students from each school that enters the contest. We use the numbers from the Michigan High School Athletic Association Directory. We put schools in order from the largest down to the smallest. Division 1 contains the largest schools, and Division 4 contains the smallest. We try hard to put nearly the same number of schools in each division. We are proud of all the winners and wish we could have published all of them, but size and space dictated how many, and in some cases, which ones, were printed. Since all the winning entries were retyped to fit the format, we apologize if any errors were made in the stories. Please remember these are just a sampling of the stories. If you would like to help judge the 2005-2006 entries for the Individual Category Newspaper and Yearbook contests, please call the MIPA office at (517) 353-6761 or e-mail mipa@msu.edu. Judging will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the MSU School of Journalism. We need you! I’d like to thank Julie Price, the current newspaper chairperson, and Lynn Strause, the current yearbook chairperson, who both did a fantastic job of pulling off last year’s judging. This is a huge project, and we all owe them a round of applause! I’d also like to thank Penney Aiken for laying out the pages, taking photographs, and scanning images and Josh Tacey for scanning the documents. These two MIPA employees work hard for all of us! Finally, I’d like to thank all the wonderful advisers, the MIPA executive board, The State News staff members and School of Journalism faculty for giving up a chunk of your Saturday to come to MSU to help judge. Without you, of course, there would be no winners! For complete information about all of the contests, please check out the MIPA Web site at http://mipa.jrn.msu.edu. Josh Tacey and Cheryl Pell are our Webmasters, and they have made all forms available as PDF files, which you can download and print out. Sincerely, Cheryl M. Pell MIPA director 305 Communication Arts Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 PHONE: (517) 353-6761 FAX: (517) 355-7710 E-MAIL: pell@msu.edu

Feature Writing: Student Life

Spotlight Acting

“The Diary of Ann Frank” takes stage Jessica Merchberger Goodrich High School Everybody wanted their 15 minutes of glory, but achieved their 15 minutes of fame. The cast in “The Diary of Anne Frank” received just that. “I felt honored to have the lead. Believe it or not memorizing the lines wasn’t that hard, and I had a lot of fun doing it,” junior Sara Davis said. From Nov. 20-23, four performances were presented. Memorizing their lines was only half of the responsibilities. Getting to really know one’s character and making the story behind the play believ-able for the audience while having fun was the other energy force that made this play a success. “I loved my part! The third night I forgot to tell the Van Daan’s to leave during the second act, so the audience probably didn’t know what we were talking about,” junior Kelly Fox said. Others thought differently. “Many lines were missed during the production, but that doesn’t mean you can stop and point it out to everyone you have to keep going,” freshman Matt

Tharett said. Whether gathering props, constructing the set, or rehearsing on stage, four weeks lapsed for the set to be built, the cast and crew worked together for two months. “The rehearsals were usually three hours a day on school days. We practiced for two months, and everything ran very smoothly. All of the lines were memorized great and there were very few mistakes,” freshman Lacie Tate said. Building the set was just as much work as putting the actual show together. “Four weeks before actual building began, time was spent drawing rough renderings of what we thought would be proper for the design. In the end, Mr. Mitchell located an old friend who drew the final design, which we used. Everything in general, fit together well,” sophomore Ian Kellogg and the Design Crew said. The production sold 545 tickets. The running time was about two hours and five minutes. The hard work that everyone put forth was really worth the great show they made.

Feature Writing: Student Life

Feature writing and reporting on school and community from the student life section of the book.

Guidelines

• clear, relevant, engaging angle • solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Kyle Sickman Clarkston 2 Christina Capoferi & Angela Bianchi Stevenson 3 Christina Anderson Fenton 4 Jessica Merchberger Goodrich

A Cut Above 5

Sports Reporting Sports Reporting

Sports reporting for any season that makes the reader feel that he/she is reliving the season.

Fight for respect Dan Kuk Stevenson High School

Guidelines

• solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research • story gives reader a clear picture of season highlights and outcome with relevant player comments • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Jake May Grand Haven 2 Dan Kuk Stevenson 3 Samantha Green Mona Shores 4 Matt Hill Goodrich

6 A Cut Above

What time is it? Game time! What time is it? Game time! Knelt down in the corner of the end zone before the first game, you hear the ecstatic screaming of the fans. You look up to find your girlfriend wearing your jersey and you think back to earlier that day, with the senior hallway all decked out, teachers wishing you good luck, and the band snaking the hallways. With all eyes focused on the huddled mass of blue jerseys, anticipating their break, the crowd watches anxiously. You jet under the banner as the band plays the fight song. Every muscle in your body tensing as a feeling of uneasiness comes over you. A feeling that can’t be shaken until the opening kickoff. Bringing forth a new attitude, the team implemented a daily summer workout routine. Every other day the team was either working out, or running to keep in shape. “We had a huge turn out this year, because no one wanted to have a losing season,” senior Kyle Pletcher said. “We knew that working out over the summer and running extra would help us play better during the season. It was also a way for the team to have a stronger bond with each other” “The little things were what we looked to change,” junior Aaron Belfiori said. “Increasing the intensity in the weight room, running more sprints than last year, and setting goals was what helped us become one of the hardest working teams.” Going into the season with high expectations, the Titans got off to a slow start this year, starting off 1-2. On the verge of repeating a 2-7 season from 2002, the team was determined to not let that happen. “I pushed myself harder, because I wanted to make the playoffs and experience that feeling,” junior Drew

Rossier said. After the loss to the Stallions, the team had a meeting to figure what they were going to do with their season. “The turning point in the year was when we got beat by Sterling and were faced with making a decision to get better or quit,” head football coach Rick Bye said. “The kids decided to get better and it had a huge positive effect on the team” Still having Ike and Dakota to play, critics were skeptical about Stevenson’s chances of making the playoffs. The team played their next games dangerously, with des-peration, all the while staying devoted to each other, winning the next five out of six games. With doubts and criticism coming from newspapers and opposing teams, the Titans went in to knock off the undefeated Dakota Cougars. “Beating Dakota was my most memorable moment of the season,” junior Doug Elsey said. “Not only were they undefeated, but it was their homecoming game.” “It was really awesome walking out of their new stadium, soaking wet, with their fans booing us,” junior Bob Bousson said. With a win or go home attitude, the Titans went into their final game as guests to their own field against the MAC White Champion Ford Falcons. “Making the playoffs was our number one priority and we were ready to take on our crosstown rival,” senior Paul Zientak said. The game ended with a score of 38-0 and guaranteed the Titans a spot in the playoffs. With injuries and inadequate lighting, the Titan’s post-season ended early with a Halloween loss to Detroit Denby. “Making it into playoffs was our goal, and it was cool being there and playing that late in the season,” junior Craig Jakubison said. “I realized all the hardwork that had to be done in order to be successful.”

Sports Feature Writing

Paul’s Dream Come True Jesica Craft-Quenby Holt High School Many people don’t know that Paul Schafer is one of MSU’s biggest fans, but seniors and friends Adam Burmeister, Nick Kyriakopoulos, Kenny Fellows, and Mike Adams do. So what did they do for his birthday this year? They picked him up and headed off to enjoy an MSU football game.

One of the greatest parts of his birthday was when they surprised him with some great presents that Paul absolutely loved, like the hat and coat Paul is wearing in the photograph below. They also bought him a small MSU helmet. Mike Adams got him a football signed by the Holt football players. It’s a sure thing that Paul has some great friends and memories that he’ll be able to remember for the rest of his life.

Sports Feature Writing

Any topic that spotlights an unusual aspect of any event, a coach, a player or any controversy.

Guidelines

• clear, relevant, engaging angle • solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research •story meaningfully adds to sports coverage • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Jake May Grand Haven 2 LaGreta Green Utica 3 Jesica Craft-Quenby Holt 4 Amber Cooley Inland Lakes

A Cut Above 7

Academic Writing Academic Writing

Any copy which features a department, a subject or unusual academic direction but not a personality profile of a teacher.

Using instruments as a tool for creative expression Allison Minton Lake Orion High School

Guidelines

• clear, relevant, engaging angle • solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research • story goes beyond simply reviewing what happens in classroom • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Allison Minton Lake Orion 2 Sara Hiltz Stevenson 3 Megan Crawford Fenton 4 Miranda Crawford Inland Lakes

8 A Cut Above

They have their own hallway with special lockers. They have unbreakable friendships from the first days of band, sometimes dating back to grade five. More importantly they play the music that keeps our school on beat. Despite differences in personali-ties and interests, members of campus, concert, symphonic and jazz band along with orchestra come together for one thing: music. “Band is just one more way for me to express myself,” junior Nick Dunn said. “It’s my art form, the me-dium to channel my creativeness. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner in campus band, more into classical like concert and symphon-ic or a competitor in solo ensemble, we all play because it’s what we love doing. Some people play sports, some draw, I play music.” Band, for some may, be a hobby. But for senior Joe Busuito it’s a passion—a calling.

“There aren’t words that can do justice to describe the band experi-ence. It’s just really enriching,” se-nior Joe Busuito said. “Everything about band has prepared me for my future hopefully in musical educa-tion. I’ve been giving lessons to middle school students, passing on what I’ve learned and more. “ Juggling school, work and a social life can be quite a task for most students like senior Steve Conaton, looking for a balance. He plays trumpet in jazz and symphonic band and in Rocket Surgery, a band he and fellow classmates John Roberts, Matt Turchyn and Sam Andrews started. “The most important thing about any band is getting together;’ Co-naton said. “It helps you stay on task. You can’t succeed in band without teamwork, it’s the first lesson we learn. In-school band and out-of-school band are a lot alike even though it doesn’t seem that way to face. It’s important to have a foundation that you can build off of and grow with.”

Organizations Writing

Becoming a whole different person Acting sometimes means playing a role unlike the student’s personality Jennifer Loudenslager Ithaca High School “It was easy to play the role of Fiona because we have a lot in common. We are both strong willed, and know what we want in life,” senior Amanda Murgittroyd, one of the leads in the fall musical, Brigadoon. Many musical cast members played the part of a character who didn’t have anything in common with the student’s personality. Thus, playing the role of someone else could be very challenging. Senior Adam Heinlein played the role of a an alcoholic. Heinlein said, “It was a lot of fun because I had a

good role, and the part was really funny.” In this musical set in New York City and mostly quaint Scotland, senior Matt Davey had to make a choice between his fiance, Jane Ashton played by senior Marley Williams, or the new love in his life, Fiona played by Murgittroyd. He didn’t know what to do until the end of the play, but when he left Fiona to go back home he realized that his true love wasn’t Jane; it was Fiona. In everyday life, Matt dated one person, senior Kayla Huntoon. “This is one of the best musicals I have ever directed here. Every person on stage worked really hard to develop a new character for themselves,” said musical director and English teacher Claudia MacLoughlin.

Organizations Writing

Writing that gives the reader a fresh view of the organization.

Guidelines

• solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research • story does not center on purpose of group or simply review their activities • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Amber Loney Lake Orion 2 Megan Verbeke Waterford Kettering 3 Kris Turner Fenton 4 Jennifer Loudenslager Ithaca

A Cut Above 9

Personality Profile Personality Profile

Writing featuring a teacher, staff member or student that makes the character three dimensional.

Unique Individuals Juniors go against the grain Kathleen Panozzo Grand Haven High School

Guidelines

• clear, relevant, engaging angle that makes story worthy of inclusion • solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research • story goes beyond superficial coverage to give a total perspective and feel for the subject • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Kathleen Panozzo Grand Haven 2 Sarah Jukaku Utica 3 Jeremy Overton & Katie Dillon Holt 3 Laura Stec & Jaime McDonald Ithaca

10 A Cut Above

James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. Kevin Ba-con in Footloose. Julia Stiles in Ten Things I Hate About You. All portrayed individualists who question authority. Though Grand Ha-ven High School will not be playing in theaters any time soon, it still has its share of non-conformists. An issue with some non-conform-ists was clothing. “I don’t like most of the stuff that’s `in,’ junior Brittany Broas said. “Like short skirts- I don’t really want people to see that stuff.” Clothing was not the only thing that was important to non-conformists. “Just happiness, faith, and knowing that I’m living for an afterlife is important to me,” junior Kris Wierenga said. Non-conformists showed their indi-viduality by par-

tici-pating in activities that differ from go-ing to the mall or to the movies. “I’m really into photography,” Broas said. “Right now I’m doing head-shots for the Central Park Players.” Juniors Paul Fett, Kris Wierenga, Bryan Willits and Jimmy Wronski chose to express their own ideas through their band called The Fallen Idols. “[The band] is probably the most important thing I’ve done in my life,” Wierenga said. “The band’s a lot of fun,” Willits said. “It’s good to know I’m doing some-thing that affects people.” Many people think that students who show their individuality are discrimi-nated against. This is not always true. “If I wear some-thing really wacky, people are just like, `Oh, that’s really cool,”’ Broas said. Whatever their reasons for going against the tide, most non-conform-ists tried to keep it simple. Willits said,” I just want to enjoy life while I have it.”

Sidebar Writing

Concert survival guide Kelsey Guyselman Grand Ledge High School When you are going to a concert, there is a lot of things to think about. Here’s a short guide to what you need to do or bring to ensure you have a great time at any concert. To Bring: A disposable camera- You may have to sneak it in, but it’s necessary for capturing awesome memories. The band’s CDs- listen to them on the way to the concert to get you pumped up A bottle of water- help soothe your throat after screaming.

Advil- you may have a headache. A best friend- it makes even the best night better to have someone there to share it with. Handmade T-shirt/poster- show your love for the band. Money- necessary for buying the souvenirs to commemorate the night. To do: Get there in plenty of time to get in and to your seats. Be prepared to wait forever in the parking lot afterward. Know where your friends are so you can meet if you get separated.

Sidebar Writing

Any article on a topic that adds to spread coverage.

Guidelines

• solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research • story enhances spread coverage by adding meaningful information and/or insights • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Melissa Meyers Bedford 2 Kelsey Guyselman Grand Ledge 3 Staff Haslett 4 Sarah Jerome Breckenridge

A Cut Above 11

Headline Writing Headline Writing

Include at least three examples, including secondary and primary headlines. Do not submit label or one-word headlines.

Guidelines

• clever/imaginative, engaging the readeer • draws reader into copy • contents of headline establishes visual/verbal connection between photos and copy • headline/subhead makes spread content clear • adheres to rules of good journalism including: avoiding label headlines; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Kelly Boskee & Sara Horne Clarkston 2 Chelsea Szkubiel Utica 3 Christina Anderson Fenton 4 Missy Mullard, Carol Peters & Megan Martyn Ithaca

12 A Cut Above

By Christina Anderson, Fenton High School

Caption Writing Caption Writing

Captions which have been written for three photographs, one of which must be for a minor sport.

Guidelines

By Kristy Hartman, Chelsea Szkubiel, Pam Siemiontkowski, Utica High School

• begin with strong leads, not name or title • contain at least two sentences that answer all reader’s questions without stating the obvious • evidence of adequate research which provides information that adds to reader’s understanding of event or situation • clearly identifies all people in photo with both first and last (sports captions should also identify names of players on opposing team) • adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Eric House, Kyle Sickman, Kelly Boskee & Kelly Dougherty Clarkston 2 Kristy Hartman, Chelsea Szkubiel & Pam Siemiontkowski Utica 3 Megan Crawford Fenton 4 Kaylee Fisher Inland Lakes

A Cut Above 13

Theme, Cover and Endsheets Theme, Cover and Endsheets

Theme selection and development. Entry should include coverdesign, endsheets, introduction, division pages and closing. Entry must include actual cover and both front and back endsheets. Do not submit stock endsheets.

Guidelines

• theme selection is fresh and contemporary as well as appropriate to the individual school • theme concept is introduced visually/ verbally on cover • theme concept carries through visualy/verbally on endsheet, opening, dividers and closing showing careful development • photos on theme spreads relate to theme concept as part of total theme package • overall design of theme spreads is fresh and contemporary, setting them apart from other sections of the book • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines and show evidence of careful planning

First place winners by division 1 Mallory Mast & Elizabeth Eastman Clarkston 2 Staff Waterford Mott 3 Katie Rinehart, Tyler Conway & Staff Fenton 4 Kara Brady, Lisa Wallace, Katie Cutler & Kyle Dopke Inland Lakes

14 A Cut Above

By Kara Brady, Lisa Wallace, Katie Cutler & Kyle Dopke, Inland Lakes High School

Opening and Closing Opening and Closing The introductory and closing spreads.

Guidelines

• designs are fresh and contemporary, setting them apart from standard designs but are similar to each other • photos, copy, captions, headlines and white space are arranged to help reader begin and end story of year • designs carry elements of theme concept • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines and show evidence of careful planning

By Dani Dimmitt, Holt High School

First place winners by division 1 Staff Lake Orion 2 Staff Waterford Kettering 3 Dani Dimmitt Holt 4 Kelly Archibald Goodrich

A Cut Above 15

Division Division

One set of all division pages in yearbook.

Guidelines

• designs are fresh and contemporary, setting them apart from standard designs but are similar to each other • photos, copy, captions, headlines and white space are arranged to introduce reader to contents of section • designs carry elements of theme concept • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines and show evidence of careful planning

First place winners by division 1 Katie Opie Clarkston 2 Kristen Pickup, Melissa McGregor & Megan Mulvihill Waterford Kettering 3 Kalee Rinehart Fenton 4 Staff Breckenridge

16 A Cut Above

By Katie Opie, Clarkston High School

Student Life Spread Student Life Spread

One spread from student life section.

Guidelines

By Staff, Haslett High School

• designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning • dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side • photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos • no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread • non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection • copy and captions are readable size and use readable font • captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader

First place winners by division 1 Angel Rossi Lake Orion 2 Danielle Giza Waterford Kettering 3 Staff Haslett 4 Chelsea Alex & Jessica Merchberger Goodrich

A Cut Above 17

Sports Spread Sports Spread

One spread from the sports section.

Guidelines

• designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning • dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos • no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread • non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection • copy and captions are readable size and use readable font • captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader • if team pictures are included on spread, they are not used as dominant element and are arranged to blend with overall design • if scoreboards are invluded on spread, they are attractively designed to blend with the overall look of the spread and set in a readable font and size • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

18 A Cut Above

By Jim Coleman, Clarkston High School

First place winners by division 1 Jim Coleman Clarkston 2 Amanda Novak Stevenson 3 Ben Berry Holt 4 Staff Inland Lakes

Academic Spread Academic Spread

One spread from the academic section.

Guidelines

By Jessie Thomas, Ithaca High School

• designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning • dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side • photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos of students engaged in learning, not the teachers • no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread • non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/ verbal connection • copy and captions are readable size and use readable font • captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

First place winners by division 1 Sarah Michienzi Lake Orion 2 Staff Waterford Kettering 3 Jessica Keener Holt 4 Jessie Thomas Ithaca

A Cut Above 19

Organization Spread Organization Spread One spread from the organization section.

Guidelines

20 A Cut Above

By Ashley Loewen, Stevenson High School

First place winners by division 1 Lyndsey Tonyan Lake Orion 2 Ashley Loewen Stevenson 3 Steven Clark Mona Shores 4 Jennifer Paget & Melanie Gibbs Ithaca

People Spread People Spread

One spread from either student or faculty/ administration coverage.

Guidelines

By Lauren Trakul, Goodrich High School

• designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning • dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side • photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content • no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread • non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/ verbal connection • copy and captions are readable size and use readable font • captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader • mug shots are arranged in panels with names to the outside • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

First place winners by division 1 Mande Averill Lake Orion 2 Laurie Sera Waterford Kettering 3 Jessica Keener Holt 4 Lauren Trakul Goodrich

A Cut Above 21

Advertising Spread Advertising Spread

One student-produced spread.

Guidelines

• spread is attractively designed with a variety of ad sizes for contrast • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • if features are included, they are designed to enhance the overall look of the spread and follow design guidelines • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

First place winners by division 1 Heather Kline Lake Orion 2 Erica Terry & Katie Oxendine Utica 3 Jesica Craft-Quenby Holt 4 Valori Bush Ithaca

22 A Cut Above

By Heather Kline, Lake Orion High School

Graphics Graphics

One spread illustrating contemporary use of graphics.

Guidelines

• graphics add to spread content and design • use of graphics shows evidence of careful planning and clear purpose • while graphic use may be innovative, the staff adheres to journalistic guidelines

First place winners by division 1 Angel Rossi Lake Orion 2 Andrea Gigliotti Waterford Kettering

By Tyler Conway & Kalee Rinehart, Fenton High School

3 Tyler Conway & Kalee Rinehart Fenton 4 Kim Pickens & Jennifer Everhart Laingsburg

A Cut Above 23

Sports Action Photo Sports Action Photo Well-cropped, in-focus photo with excellent tonal quality.

Guidelines

• photo has strong storytelling content • photo has been effectively cropped to emphasize center of interest and enhance content • photo is technically strong: in focus; free from scratches, dust or fingerprints; proper contrast; not too grainy or muddy • photographer paid attention to rules of composition

First place winners by division 1 Jake May Grand Haven 2 Cassie Beamish Bay City Central 3 Erik Smith Fenton 4 Chris Reed Ithaca

24 A Cut Above

By Cassie Beamish, Bay City Central High School

Academic Photo Academic Photo

Photo focused on students in a learning situation either in or out of class.

Guidelines

•photo has strong storytelling content •photo has been effectively cropped to emphasize center of interest and enhance content • photo is technically strong: in focus; free from scratches, dust or fingerprints; proper contrast; not too grainy or muddy •photographer paid attention to rules of composition

By April Willis, Inland Lakes High School

First place winners by division 1 Kelly Boskee Clarkston 2 John Ehlke Waterford Kettering 3 Laura Stepke Traverse City East Jr. H 4 April Willis Inland Lakes

A Cut Above 25

Feature Photo Feature Photo

Human interest photo with emphasis on people in their environment. Do not submit posed shots or portraits.

Guidelines

First place winners by division 1 Kelly Dougherty Clarkston 2 Hillary Sidnam Battle Creek Central 3 Megan Fisher Traverse City East Jr. H 4 Kyle Dopke Inland Lakes

By Hillary Sidnam, Battle Creek Central High School

26 A Cut Above

Feature Presentation Feature Presentation

An unusual feature from any section. Subject selection, writing, photography and design will be considered.

Guidelines WRITING

By Krystal Phillips, Katie Rausch & Jessi Brooks, Fenton High School

• copy has engaging angle, solid lead and meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • captions begin with strong lead and contain at least two sentences that answer all reader’s questions and clearly identifies all people • copy and captions show evidence of adequate research • clever, engaging headline that draws reader into story and establishes visual/verbal connection • adheres to rules of good journalism including: use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading, correct use of grammar

DESIGN

First place winners by division 1 Staff Lake Orion 2 Staff Waterford Mott 3 Krystal Phillips, Katie Rausch & Jessi Brooks Fenton 4 Kara Brady & Lisa Wallace Inland Lakes

• designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning • special treatments are used sparingly and effectively • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • headline has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

PHOTOGRAPHY

• photos have strong storytelling content and are effectively cropped • photos are technically strong and show evidence of composition rules

*For more details, see complete criteria for categories 1, 8, 9, 13 and

A Cut Above 27

Index Index

Creative use of graphics, typography, photos and/or short features to enhance the presentation of the index.

Guidelines

• complete listing of all persons, events, clubs, activities, sports and advertisements • set in readable font and size • attractive design that adds to overal impressions

First place winners by division 1 Sarah Coalson Athens 2 Kevin Shannon Novi 3 Ben Berry Holt 4 Chelsea Alex Goodrich

28 A Cut Above

By Sarah Coalson, Athens High School