Thirteen schools earn Gallup designation in 2018 News Media Evaluation service

By Caitlyn Martin

Judges cited 13 school publications from ten states and British Columbia as George H. Gallup recipients in the 2018 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 2017-2018 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 20 schools. The International Second Place Award was awarded to 12 schools. The International Honor Award was earned by five schools.

Gallup Award  

Georgia

Athens – Clarke Central High School

Judge’s comment: “Their staff is clearly a leader among scholastic publications. They understand well the power of storytelling and how to use the tools at their disposal to hone their message on various platforms and for different segments of their audience.”

Indiana

Munster – Munster High School

Judge’s comment: “Their coverage of academics far outshines most scholastic publications, and overall their writing is quite strong.”

Iowa

Johnston – Johnston High School

Judge’s comment: “The writing, editing, and headline writing are all top-notch. Photography is also excellent. The website is a strong addition to their coverage.”

Minnesota

Stillwater – Stillwater Area High School

Judge’s comment: “All stories are meticulously edited. Headlines are well written. Photos are always well edited, are clear, and help convey the story. Beautiful work consistently!”

Missouri

St. Charles – Francis Howell North High School

Judge’s comment: “The student journalists of Francis Howell North are dedicated and talented. They work hard to inform and engage their audience in many different ways. I’d wager that their print product is a must-read on distribution day.”

Webster Groves – Webster Groves High School

Judge’s comment: “Their website is a comprehensive extension of their newsmagazine, or maybe the other way around, consistent in post frequency and high-quality visuals to draw the reader in.”

Nevada

Las Vegas — Southwest Career and Technical Academy

Judge’s comment: “Their stories flow well, and they are the product of dedicated effort to gather and synthesize information. Overall, their writing comes alive, and it’s clear that their product improves throughout the year. The procedures they have in place serve them well.”

New Jersey

Wall – Communications High School

Judge’s comment: “Really the best coverage I have seen—broad and significant. In addition, their wonderful graphics and designs, especially double page spreads, are outstanding and bring the rating to superior.”

Ohio

Liberty Township – Lakota East High School

Judge’s comment: “The Spark seems to have a definite personality formed by all staff members. Outstanding coordination between writers, photographers, designers and perhaps page editors yielding strong journalism.”

South Carolina

Mount Pleasant – Wando High School

Judge’s comment: “The Tribal Tribune is a fine publication, worthy of the highest honors. Several reporters really dug deep throughout the year and several writers opened up and shared unique voices.”

Texas

Austin – McCallum High School

Judge’s comment: “They produce a very professional looking publication both online and in print. Broad and varied coverage, quality graphics, and thoughtful design culminate here.”

Virginia

McLean – McLean High School

Judge’s comment: “The Highlander is an exceptionally well-written and well-designed magazine. Their choice of stories reflects a thoughtful approach to providing readers with a wealth of interesting and informative material.”

British Columbia

Coquitlam – Gleneagle Secondary School

Judge’s comment: “All stories are meticulously edited. Headlines are well written. Continue to implement your high standard.”

International First Place

California

Fullerton – Troy High School

Granite Bay – Granite Bay High School

Irvine – Irvine High School

Redlands – Redlands Unity High School

Florida

Miami – Felix Varela Sr. High School

Winter Park – Trinity Preparatory School

Georgia

Atlanta – Henry W. Grady High School

Cumming – South Forsyth High School

Fayetteville — Starr’s Mill High School

Woodstock – The King’s Academy

Illinois

Lake Zurich – Lake Zurich High School

Mundelein – Mundelein High School

Indiana

Crown Point – Crown Point High School

Fishers – Fishers High School

Indianapolis – Lawrence North High School

Iowa

Davenport – Davenport West High School

Missouri

Chesterfield – Marquette High School

Creve Coeur – Parkway North High School

Kirkwood – Kirkwood High School

Nixa – Nixa High School

Virginia

Harrisonburg – Harrisonburg High School

International Second Place

California

Los Angeles – Harvard-Westlake Middle School

Florida

Pompano Beach – Pompano Beach High School

Sarasota – Riverview High School

Illinois

St. Charles – St. Charles East High School

Massachusetts

Chestnut Hill – Brimmer and May High School

Michigan

Shelby Township – Eisenhower High School

Sterling Heights – Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Minnesota

New Hope – Robbinsdale Cooper High School

Oregon

Tualatin – Tualatin High School

Pennsylvania

Haverford – The Haverford School

Virginia

Nokesville – Patriot High School

Palmyra – Fluvanna County High School

Wisconsin

Weston – D.C. Everest Senior High School

International Honors

Ontario

Toronto – Rosedale Heights School of the Arts

California

Redlands – Redlands High School

Delaware

Wilmington — Padua Academy

Missouri

St. Louis – Ritenour High School

Pennsylvania

Leetsdale – Quaker Valley High School