21 others honored with International First Place in annual critique service

By Sylvia Clubb

Judges named nine school publications as George H. Gallup recipients in the 2021 Quill and Scroll News Media Evaluation service.

Named for the founder of Quill and Scroll and the Gallup Poll, the award is given only to those publications that achieved and sustained excellence during the 2020-2021 academic year. Gallup Award recognition is based on extraordinary improvement, exceptional service to the school and community, editorial campaigns, and in-depth reporting on special issues.

International First Place Award recognition went to 21 schools. The International Second Place Award was awarded to six schools.

Gallup Award

Georgia

Atlanta — Henry W. Grady High School, “The Southerner Online

“You’ve proven well that a scholastic media staff can do the work necessary to serve its audience even under challenging and unforeseen circumstances, and that example is terrific advocacy on behalf of the power of the student press.”

Indiana

Munster — Munster High School, “The Crier”

“I am blown away by the breadth of your coverage. These are things that go deep to convey how much you care about your school. It is clear that most of your stories are part of a larger plan. Not just to win awards, but to make a difference in a way that is important to you and your school.”

Missouri

Chesterfield — Marquette HS, “The Messenger”

“The Messenger staff is busy! Your staff tackles some tough issues and does an amazing job presenting all sides of the story. From the stunning visuals to the impeccable writing and editing, The Messenger excels in all areas.”

Kirkwood — Kirkwood High School, “The Call”

“Covid-19 has not slowed down this staff. Even as I judge this publication (near the end of the summer) news is being published online. As the new school year begins (with Covid-19 still impacting all of our lives), I’m confident staffers will continue to keep their peers and community informed on the latest developments of returning to school as well as holding their administration accountable.”

Saint Charles — Francis Howell North High School, “FHN Today”

“Editorial coverage takes many forms across the print and online platforms, and there is a wide range of topics covered in those various forms. The diversity in the people interviewed for Humans of FHN is incredible; it is clear that there is an effort made to feature people from all areas of the school, across classes, areas of interest, and including administrators and teachers. This is a great way to put a face on the school.”

Nevada

Las Vegas — Southwest CTA, “Southwest Shadow”

“Your site packs a powerful punch, in all of the best ways. Most importantly, you understand the rules and standards of good journalism, and those remain as your guide as you report and present stories for your audience. The coverage spans the breadth of school life and experience, and all content is focused on students.”

Ohio

Liberty Township — Lakota East High School, “Spark”

“Your students do such a good job interviewing and they know how to deal with issues that are interesting and important. It’s great that you report on so many topics affecting society today from Cancel Culture and environmental concerns.”

Texas

Austin — McCallum High School, “The Shield” 

“Your staff has been faced with some tough topics and decisions. You have handled those like rock stars. I spent a lot of time on your digital platforms getting lost in all that great content. From the videos and the podcasts to your presence on Instagram and Twitter, you definitely dominate the Austin coverage.”

Prosper — Prosper High School, “Eagle Nation Online” 

“You are gloriously clear communicators. You tell great stories. Your photographers have an outstanding command of photo composition across the board. You create content that’s whimsical when appropriate and serious when that’s called for. The journalists at Prosper High School have it figured out.”

International First Place

California

Los Angeles — Shalhevet High School 

Redlands — Redlands Unified School District

San Anselmo — Archie Williams High School

Florida

Plantation – American Heritage High School

Georgia

Fayetteville – Starr’s Mill High School 

Atlanta – Clarke Central High School

Iowa

Johnston – Johnston High School

Indiana

Greenwood – Greenwood Community High School

Kansas

Shawnee – Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

Minnesota

Stillwater – Stillwater Area High School

Missouri

Liberty – Liberty High School

Nixa – Nixa High School

Webster Groves – Webster Groves High School

New Jersey

Hillsdale — Pascack Valley High School

New York

Pelham — Pelham Memorial High School

Ohio

Montgomery — Sycamore High School

Oregon

Milwaukie – La Salle Catholic College Preparatory

Tualatin – Tualatin High School

Virginia

Harrisonburg — Harrisonburg High School 

Wisconsin

Stoughton — Stoughton High School

International Second Place

Illinois

Mundelein — Mundelein High School

Minnesota

New Hope — Robbinsdale Cooper High School

Missouri

St. Louis — Ritenour High School

Ohio

Hamilton — Ross High School

Texas

Bellaire — Bellaire High School 

Leesburg — Loudon County High School

Virginia

Sterling — Dominion High School

International Honor Award

Utah

Pleasant View — Weber High School