Edmond Memorial High School’s Ruff Draft staff and introduction to journalism class attended the Oklahoma Scholastic Media state competition in Norman on April 16. The staff left the competition with over 50 awards total, including Highest Honors, All-Oklahoma, Editor of the Year and the James F. Paschal Sweepstakes Award for best news publication.
Throughout the day, the staff attended educational seminars hosted by professional journalists and professors from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma. Many staff members also met with the OU Daily adviser, Seth Prince, to discuss future opportunities awaiting them at the OU Daily.
The awards ceremony began at 2:45 when over 300 journalism students and advisers from across the state filed into the lecture room to see which publications won which awards. The EMHS Ruff Draft won 48 individual awards including six first-place wins. Three of the six first-place awards were given to staff writer Lathan Pearce for the On-Deadline categories of Sports Column and Sports News, and the Previously Published category of Critical Review of an Establishment or Event.
Additionally, photographer Cooper Bortmess, Managing Editor Ian Humphreys and contributing writer Tayah Darks all received first-place awards for their work. Ruff Draft Co-Editor-in-Chief Macey Thaxton won the Karen Beavers Editor of the Year award. This award highlights the editors whom their staff members nominated for their contributions and achievements.
The ceremony wrapped up with the announcement of the publication that won the James F. Paschal Division I Sweepstakes, which awards the top-scoring publication in each division. The staff plans to continue to grow and continue to refine their skills in the coming years.
Editor’s Note:
The Ruff Draft staff is incredibly honored and grateful to receive all the awards we worked for this year. I am so proud of everything we achieved at our state competition and throughout the year. We want to give a big thank you to all of our loyal readers for your continued support. Go Dogs!
Contact Macey Thaxton at [email protected]
