2006 A Cut Above, Yearbook

a cutabove

The Best of the Best from the 2005 Individual Category Yearbook Contest

Michigan Interscholastic Press Association

Published by Michigan Interscholastic Press Association305 Communication Arts Building

Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI 48824Phone: (517) 353-6761

Fax: (517) 355-7710E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: mipa.jrn.msu.edu

The Cover PhotoHolly Brown, a sophomore at Inland Lakes High School,

is caught “unspoken and clueless” about static electricity during a school wide event. Photo taken

by Kyle Dopke, Inland Lakes HS, First Place Winner, Feature Photo Category.

January 2006

Dear Friends of Journalism:

This is the tenth issue of Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s A Cut Above, which contains the best of high school journal-ism 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 divi-sion.

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 [email protected]. 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. PellMIPA director305 Communication Arts BuildingMichigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI 48824

PHONE: (517) 353-6761FAX: (517) 355-7710E-MAIL: [email protected]

A Cut Above 5

Jessica MerchbergerGoodrich 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 responsi-bilities. Getting to really know one’s character and mak-ing 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 produc-tion, 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 every-thing 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 build-ing 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.

Spotlight Acting“The Diary of Ann Frank” takes stage

Feature Writing: Student LifeFeature Writing: Student LifeFeature writing and reporting on school and community from the student life section of the book.

First place winners by division

1 Kyle Sickman Clarkston

2 Christina Capoferi & Angela Bianchi Stevenson

3 Christina Anderson Fenton

4 Jessica Merchberger Goodrich

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

6 A Cut Above

Sports Reporting

Dan KukStevenson High School

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, antici-pating 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 implement-ed 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 meet-

ing 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 play-offs. 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 prior-ity and we were ready to take on our crosstown rival,” senior Paul Zientak said.

The game ended with a score of 38-0 and guaran-teed 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.”

Fight for respectSports ReportingSports reporting for any season that makes the reader feel that he/she is reliving the season.


1 Jake May Grand Haven

2 Dan Kuk Stevenson

3 Samantha Green Mona Shores

4 Matt Hill Goodrich

Guidelines• solid lead that draws




• story gives reader a clear picture of season highlights and outcome with relevant player comments


A Cut Above 7

Jesica Craft-QuenbyHolt 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.

Paul’s Dream Come True

Sports Feature Writing

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



2 LaGreta Green Utica

3 Jesica Craft-Quenby Holt

4 Amber Cooley Inland Lakes






•story meaningfully adds to sports coverage


8 A Cut Above

Academic Writing

Allison MintonLake Orion High School

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 impor-tantly 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 ensem-ble, 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 class-mates 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 les-son 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.”

Using instruments as a tool for creative expression

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


1 Allison Minton Lake Orion

2 Sara Hiltz Stevenson

3 Megan Crawford Fenton

4 Miranda Crawford Inland Lakes






• story goes beyond simply reviewing what happens in classroom


A Cut Above 9

Jennifer LoudenslagerIthaca 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 alco-holic. 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.

Becoming a whole different personActing sometimes means playing a role unlike the student’s personality

Organizations Writing

Organizations WritingWriting that gives the reader a fresh view of the organization.


1 Amber Loney Lake Orion

2 Megan Verbeke Waterford Kettering

3 Kris Turner Fenton

4 Jennifer Loudenslager Ithaca





• story does not center on purpose of group or simply review their activities


10 A Cut Above

Personality Profile

Kathleen PanozzoGrand Haven High School

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-con-formists.

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 indi-viduality 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.”

Unique IndividualsJuniors go against the grain

Personality ProfileWriting featuring a teacher, staff member or student that makes the character three dimen-sional.


1 Kathleen Panozzo Grand Haven

2 Sarah Jukaku Utica

3 Jeremy Overton & Katie Dillon Holt

3 Laura Stec & Jaime McDonald Ithaca


angle that makes story worthy of inclusion

• solid lead that draws reader into story

• meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing


• story goes beyond superficial coverage to give a total perspective and feel for the subject


A Cut Above 11

Kelsey GuyselmanGrand 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 upA 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 com-

memorate 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 after-

ward.Know where your friends are so you can meet if you

get separated.

Concert survival guide

Sidebar Writing

Sidebar WritingAny article on a topic that adds to spread cov-erage.


1 Melissa Meyers Bedford

2 Kelsey Guyselman Grand Ledge

3 Staff Haslett

4 Sarah Jerome Breckenridge





• story enhances spread coverage by adding meaningful information and/or insights


12 A Cut Above

Headline Writing

By Christina Anderson, Fenton High School

Headline WritingInclude at least three examples, including secondary and primary headlines. Do not sub-mit label or one-word headlines.


1 Kelly Boskee & Sara Horne Clarkston

2 Chelsea Szkubiel Utica

3 Christina Anderson Fenton

4 Missy Mullard, Carol Peters & Megan Martyn Ithaca

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

A Cut Above 13

Caption Writing

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


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

Guidelines• 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)


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

14 A Cut Above

Theme, Cover and Endsheets

Theme, Cover and EndsheetsTheme 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.


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

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

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

A Cut Above 15

Opening and Closing

By Dani Dimmitt, Holt High School

Opening and ClosingThe introductory and closing spreads.


1 Staff Lake Orion

2 Staff Waterford Kettering

3 Dani Dimmitt Holt

4 Kelly Archibald Goodrich

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


16 A Cut Above

Division

By Katie Opie, Clarkston High School

DivisionOne set of all division pages in yearbook.


1 Katie Opie Clarkston

2 Kristen Pickup, Melissa McGregor & Megan Mulvihill Waterford Kettering

3 Kalee Rinehart Fenton

4 Staff Breckenridge

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


A Cut Above 17

Student Life Spread

Student Life SpreadOne spread from student life section.


1 Angel Rossi Lake Orion

2 Danielle Giza Waterford Kettering

3 Staff Haslett

4 Chelsea Alex & Jessica Merchberger Goodrich

By Staff, Haslett High School

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 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

18 A Cut Above

Sports Spread


1 Jim Coleman Clarkston

2 Amanda Novak Stevenson

3 Ben Berry Holt

4 Staff Inland Lakes

By Jim Coleman, Clarkston High School

Sports SpreadOne spread from the sports section.





• photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos







• 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

A Cut Above 19

Academic Spread

Academic SpreadOne spread from the academic section.


1 Sarah Michienzi Lake Orion

2 Staff Waterford Kettering

3 Jessica Keener Holt

4 Jessie Thomas Ithaca

By Jessie Thomas, Ithaca High School

Guidelines• designed as two-page visual

unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning



• photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos of students engaged in learning, not the teachers








20 A Cut Above

Organization Spread

Organization SpreadOne spread from the organization section.


1 Lyndsey Tonyan Lake Orion

2 Ashley Loewen Stevenson

3 Steven Clark Mona Shores

4 Jennifer Paget & Melanie Gibbs Ithaca

By Ashley Loewen, Stevenson High School





• photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos







• if group pictures are included on spread, they are not the dominant element and are arranged to blend with the overall design of the spread


A Cut Above 21

People Spread


1 Mande Averill Lake Orion

2 Laurie Sera Waterford Kettering

3 Jessica Keener Holt

4 Lauren Trakul Goodrich

By Lauren Trakul, Goodrich High School

People SpreadOne spread from either student or faculty/administration coverage.

Guidelines• designed as two-page visual

unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning



• photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content







• mug shots are arranged in panels with names to the outside


22 A Cut Above

Advertising Spread

By Heather Kline, Lake Orion High School

Advertising SpreadOne student-produced spread.


1 Heather Kline Lake Orion

2 Erica Terry & Katie Oxendine Utica

3 Jesica Craft-Quenby Holt

4 Valori Bush Ithaca

Guidelines• spread is attractively

designed with a variety of ad sizes for contrast


• if features are included, they are designed to enhance the overall look of the spread and follow design guidelines


A Cut Above 23

Graphics

By Tyler Conway & Kalee Rinehart, Fenton High School

GraphicsOne spread illustrating contemporary use of graphics.


1 Angel Rossi Lake Orion

2 Andrea Gigliotti Waterford Kettering

3 Tyler Conway & Kalee Rinehart Fenton

4 Kim Pickens & Jennifer Everhart Laingsburg

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

24 A Cut Above

Sports Action Photo

By Cassie Beamish, Bay City Central High School

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



2 Cassie Beamish Bay City Central

3 Erik Smith Fenton

4 Chris Reed Ithaca

Guidelines• photo has strong story-

telling 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

A Cut Above 25

Academic Photo

By April Willis, Inland Lakes High School

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


1 Kelly Boskee Clarkston

2 John Ehlke Waterford Kettering

3 Laura Stepke Traverse City East Jr. H

4 April Willis Inland Lakes

Guidelines•photo has strong story-

telling content•photo has been effectively



•photographer paid attention to rules of composition

26 A Cut Above

Feature Photo

By Hillary Sidnam, Battle Creek Central High School

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


1 Kelly Dougherty Clarkston

2 Hillary Sidnam Battle Creek Central

3 Megan Fisher Traverse City East Jr. H

4 Kyle Dopke Inland Lakes

Guidelines• photo has strong story-

telling content• photo has been effectively



• photographer paid attention to rules of composition

A Cut Above 27

Feature Presentation


1 Staff Lake Orion

2 Staff Waterford Mott

3 Krystal Phillips, Katie Rausch & Jessi Brooks Fenton

4 Kara Brady & Lisa Wallace Inland Lakes

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

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

GuidelinesWRITING• 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• designed as two-page


• special treatments are used sparingly and effectively


• headline has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection


PHOTOGRAPHY• photos have strong story-

telling 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

28 A Cut Above

Index

By Sarah Coalson, Athens High School

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


1 Sarah Coalson Athens

2 Kevin Shannon Novi

3 Ben Berry Holt

4 Chelsea Alex Goodrich

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

Documents

2006 A Cut Above, Yearbook