Edmond Memorial High School’s (EMHS) own Newspaper staff, Ruff Draft, swept the floor at state with a total of 48 awards from Oklahoma Scholastic Media. 

The morning began at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 10th when the Ruff Draft team left for Oklahoma University (OU) in Norman, Oklahoma. Soon after arriving at the Student Union, the students filed out of the bus and waited until the time for classes arrived.

Students choose their own schedules with insightful workshops presented by experienced writers from professional papers across the state. Once each of the five hour-long sessions were over every student and teacher made their way to the auditorium at 2:50 p.m.. Schools like EMHS, Edmond Santa Fe High School and Edmond North High School were present, along Yukon High School and many more, who waited patiently to hear the results of their year of hard work. 

Ruff Draft swept a lot of the online publication categories, with all students earning either first, second, third, or honorable mention awards. With a combination of On-Deadline awards and Previously Published from throughout the school year, the Newspaper team had filled many categories. 

Some of the specific first place winners had racked up more than just one first place. Managing editor Kelsi Seltenreich received a total of three first place awards and six other placing awards. Staff writer Macey Thaxton received three first place awards and one second place award. Managing editor Bridget Nye took home one first place award, two third place awards, one honorable mention and the “Writer of the Year” award for the state of Oklahoma. Both co-editors, Hailey Paddock and Adeline Gruen received a combined four first place awards along with eight others. All the other students received a range of awards that rack up to the total amount, which for the paper earned the Ruff Draft staff “Highest Honors” and “All Oklahoman.”

The Ruff Draft staff earned dozens of awards, representing EMHS with pride, demonstrating the talent that fills the halls.

Contact Jordan Graham at [email protected]