Annual Contest Categories

Service Above Self Award

In honor of legendary scholastic journalism teacher, mentor and friend Casey Nichols, JEANC is introducing the Service Above Self Award. This honor will go to a senior who practices servant leadership, and, as a result of their contributions to their program, positively influences their community. Advisers should submit a no more than one page description of the student’s impact for consideration, as well as the following: student pronouns, adviser name, publication, program and student social media handles, and a headshot/photo of student. For more information, see the page about the award. The winner will receive a $500 scholarship.

Press Freedom

Stories in this category will qualify for the Nick Ferentinos Memorial Student Press Freedom Award. The award will go to the story — from any journalistic story type (feature, editorial, news, etc.) and any student media platform (print, broadcast, digital media) — that best focuses attention on First Amendment issues, embodying or highlighting the actions of a student or students who show determination, despite difficulty or resistance, in lawfully exercising their First Amendment press rights.”

Please include a paragraph describing why your entry fits into this category. If you are uploading a digital link, you can also upload a PDF of the explanation. If you are uploading a PDF file, please include the explanation in that file.

The award criteria are modeled deliberately after the “Courage in Student Journalism Award” offered each year by the Student Press Law Center and the National Scholastic Press Association. Ferentinos was a lifelong supporter of both organizations.

Students with winning entries will receive a certificate as well as a $500 award.

Diversity Coverage

This story tells about the lifestyles, challenges and potential of those from a diverse background. It will cover not just the plight of the subjects, but may also look at how subjects deal with their diverse backgrounds and how diverse backgrounds are dealt with by others. The term “diverse” is not limited to ethnicity and may focus on a wide range of subjects, depending on the author’s story angle. Submit a PDF of the print page(s) on which the story was published or the URL to the story on an online news site.

Environmental, Health or Science Coverage

This story will focus on an environmental, health or science topic. It can be a straight news story or an investigative piece. Submit a PDF of the print page(s) on which the story was published or the URL to the story on an online news site.

Best of the West

The Best of the West Competition honors the best NorCal print, online and broadcast news programs as well as yearbooks. This is a separate competition and does not count toward as one of the three free entries. More information and the entry form are on the Best of the West page.

Digital Media

DIGITAL MEDIA arts & entertainment package
This entry should consist of a series of stories or story elements that grow out of a single arts & entertainment idea that could be linked or unlinked to a specific timely event. May include text, photos, infographics, sidebars, video, maps, staff opinion, microblogging — anything and everything that shows your staff fully engaged using all that digital media can offer to flesh out your story.

DIGITAL MEDIA audio story
This entry should consist of a student-produced audio story of any type created by digital media staff. Judges will focus on professional production values.

DIGITAL MEDIA breaking news story
This entry should consist of a story published online within 24 hours of a developing news event on or near your campus. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and may give extra consideration to the speed with which a story was reported and posted.

DIGITAL MEDIA breaking news stream
This entry should consist of a series of online stories or story elements that grow out of a single breaking news event or series of related events in your community. The entry may include text, photos, infographics, sidebars, video, maps, staff opinion, microblogging — anything and everything that shows your staff fully engaged in exploring an event and its aftermath. Coverage should be immediate, but may continue online over an extended period after the event.

DIGITAL MEDIA feature package
This entry should consist of a series of stories or story elements that grow out of a single feature idea unlinked to a specific timely event. May include text, photos, infographics, sidebars, video, maps, staff opinion, microblogging — anything and everything that shows your staff fully engaged using all that digital media can offer to flesh out your story.

DIGITAL MEDIA feature video
This entry should consist of a journalistic feature video produced for your high school audience and accessed online. This entry includes stories that can be a personality profile or a profile focused on groups, issues, events or experiences. They may appeal to the emotions of the viewer with inspiration, motivation, pathos or humor. They may emphasize a new element or fresh angle. The stories should capture the viewer’s attention and arouse curiosity. These stories may include interviews, sound bites, voice-overs, dramatizations, graphics, b-roll and stand-ups. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and how well the piece incorporates professional production values. Sports-related feature stories must be submitted into the DIGITAL MEDIA Sports Feature Video category. Submit a link to the entry.

DIGITAL MEDIA live coverage
This entry should consist of coverage of an event through video, liveblogging or social media in real time. Unlike breaking news, this coverage is usually planned and centers around a big event or game. Judges will consider the depth and diversity of coverage, as well as the adherence to a professional journalistic style.

DIGITAL MEDIA multi-platform coverage
A single topic, issue or event of significance is covered in a coordinated fashion on AT LEAST three different media platforms (including print newspaper, yearbook, video/broadcast program, social media and website). This category may be entered by a single staff equipped to publish on various platforms or by the staffs of different student media outlets at the same school, who partner to cover this story in depth across their platforms.

DIGITAL MEDIA news package
This entry should consist of a series of stories or story elements that grow out of a single news idea unlinked to a specific timely event. May include text, photos, infographics, sidebars, video, maps, staff opinion, microblogging — anything and everything that shows your staff fully engaged using all that digital media can offer to flesh out your story.

DIGITAL MEDIA news video
This entry should consist of a journalistic news video produced for your high school audience and accessed online. This entry includes news stories that report on a single event/occurrence. They focus on the 5 Ws and other factual information and give a balanced, unbiased overview. These stories may include interviews, voice-overs, dramatizations, graphics, b-roll and stand-ups. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and how well the piece incorporates professional production values. Sports-related news stories must be submitted in DIGITAL MEDIA Sports News Video. Submit a link to the entry.

DIGITAL MEDIA news website design
Submit the URL of the home page of your digital media publication. Strong websites will adhere to the basic principles of design, will be clearly organized and easy to navigate, and will be customized beyond a template.

DIGITAL MEDIA opinion package
This entry should consist of a series of stories or story elements that grow out of a single opinion/editorial idea unlinked to a specific timely event. May include text, photos, infographics, sidebars, video, maps, staff opinion, microblogging — anything and everything that shows your staff fully engaged using all that digital media can offer to flesh out your story.

DIGITAL MEDIA opinion video
This entry should consist of a journalistic opinion video produced for your high school audience and accessed online. These stories may include interviews, voice-overs, dramatizations, graphics, b-roll and stand-ups. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and how well the piece incorporates professional production values.

DIGITAL MEDIA photo slideshow
This entry should consist of a slideshow with photos, which may be accompanied by audio of interviews or relevant sounds. Captions are a bonus, as are professional production values.

DIGITAL MEDIA sports feature video
This entry should consist of a journalistic feature video produced for your high school audience and accessed online. This entry includes stories that can be a personality profile or a profile focused on groups, issues, events or experiences. They may appeal to the emotions of the viewer with inspiration, motivation, pathos or humor. They may emphasize a new element or fresh angle. The stories should capture the viewer’s attention and arouse curiosity. These stories may include interviews, sound bites, voice-overs, dramatizations, graphics, b-roll and stand-ups. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and how well the piece incorporates professional production values. Submit a link to the entry.

DIGITAL MEDIA sports news video
This entry should consist of a journalistic news video produced for your high school audience and accessed online. This entry includes news stories that report on a single event/occurrence. They focus on the 5 Ws and other factual information and give a balanced, unbiased overview. These stories may include interviews, voice-overs, dramatizations, graphics, b-roll and stand-ups. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and how well the piece incorporates professional production values. Submit a link to the entry.

DIGITAL MEDIA sports package
This entry should consist of a series of stories or story elements that grow out of a single sports idea unlinked to a specific timely event. May include text, photos, infographics, sidebars, video, maps, staff opinion, microblogging — anything and everything that shows your staff fully engaged using all that digital media can offer to flesh out your story.

DIGITAL MEDIA arts & entertainment video
This entry should consist of a journalistic arts & entertainment video produced for your high school audience and accessed online. This entry includes stories that can include man on the street, reviews, trends or other arts & entertainment topics. They may appeal to the emotions of the viewer with inspiration, motivation, pathos or humor. They may emphasize a new element or fresh angle. The stories should capture the viewer’s attention and arouse curiosity. These stories may include interviews, sound bites, voice-overs, dramatizations, graphics, b-roll and stand-ups. Judges will focus on accuracy, fairness, depth, form and clarity, and how well the piece incorporates professional production values. Sports-related feature stories must be submitted into the DIGITAL MEDIA Sports Feature Video category. Submit a link to the entry.

DIGITAL MEDIA social media post
Coverage of a single news or feature story using social media, not created on a breaking news deadline. Story may cover a news event, trend, human interest topic or other news/feature issue. While coverage may include a link to a more detailed report on your website, key elements of the story should be told directly on social media. Submit a URL to the entry.

News Publications

For this category, digital and print media entries are eligible. Please either upload the PDF of the entry or the digital link.

NEWSPUB advertising design
Include the PDF of the entire page on which the advertisement appears, clearly indicating which ad should be judged. Do not submit advertisements provided camera-ready by outside sources. Superior entries will appeal to a teenage audience, providing clear contact information for the business and incorporating photos and/or graphic elements to enhance presentation.

NEWSPUB column writing
Entries in this category should include two columns from the same columnist. Include the PDF of the entire page on which each column appears or the link to the digital story. If multiple columns appear on the PDF, indicate which should be judged. Superior entries in this category will address timely, reader-relevant topics, conveying the writer’s personal opinion.

NEWSPUB editorial writing
Include the PDF of the entire page on which the editorial appears or the link to the digital story. Superior entries will be clearly articulated positions, without a byline, written on behalf of the entire staff in regard to a timely, newsworthy topic.

NEWSPUB op-ed writing
Include the PDF of the entire page on which the opinion piece appears or the link to the digital story. Superior entries will be clearly articulated positions, with a byline, in regard to a timely, newsworthy topic, conveying the writer’s personal opinion. 

NEWSPUB editorial cartoon
Include the PDF of the entire page on which the editorial cartoon appears or the link to the digital version. Superior entries will demonstrate a high quality illustration or comic strip containing a timely, reader-relevant political or social message.

NEWSPUB feature photo
For photo entries, include the PDF of the entire page or link to the digital story and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged. Superior feature photos will offer interesting angles and composition techniques to tell a visual story.

NEWSPUB general feature story
A feature article is an article that clarifies news issues and provides entertainment and/or insight about events. For each entry, include the PDF of the entire page on which the story appears, clearly indicating which story should be judged, or the link to the digital story. If a story jumps, be sure to include all pages in the PDF. Superior entries will engage readers with a strong lead, clear human interest angle, detailed reporting, colorful description and meaningful quotes from a variety of sources.

NEWSPUB infographic design
Include the PDF of the entire page or link to webpage on which the informational graphic appears. If more than one infographic appears on the page, indicate which is to be judged. Superior entries will add meaningful details to the topic with a nicely packaged graphic that includes a source for information collected and blends with the newspaper’s overall visual style. Infographics can be standalone or part of a story.  

NEWSPUB illustration
This category includes original artwork — hand drawn or digitally created — used to establish a theme or mood with the intent to enhance any article published in a newspaper, magazine or news website. Submit a PDF of the page on which the illustration was published or the URL to the illustration on an online news site showing how the illustration was displayed.

NEWSPUB news photo
For photo entries, include the PDF of the entire page or link to the digital story and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged. Superior news photos will offer interesting angles and composition techniques to capture the atmosphere of a breaking news event.

NEWSPUB news story
A news article is an article that presents new information. The subject/source may either be on-campus or off-campus. If the news source is off-campus, the story must affect members of the school community in their on-campus roles and/or their off-campus roles as citizens. For each entry, include the PDF of the entire page on which the story appears, clearly indicating which story should be judged, or link to the digital story. If a story jumps, be sure to include all pages in the PDF. Superior entries will engage readers with a strong lead, detailed reporting, appropriateness and significance of topic, conciseness, factual support, fairness and use of appropriate sources.

NEWSPUB newsmagazine cover design
Include the PDF of the entire front cover. Superior entries will use strong packaging for visual impact, offering a strong first impression to the issue as a whole.

NEWSPUB spread design (newspaper or newsmagazine)
Include the PDF of the entire spread design. Superior entries will cover a reader-relevant topic worthy of emphasis by using strong packaging for visual impact. The pages should appear as one unified spread in presentation.

NEWSPUB newspaper front page design
Include the PDF of the entire front page. Superior entries will use strong packaging for visual impact, prioritizing news value by story placement and offering a strong first impression to the issue as a whole.

NEWSPUB photo illustration
Entries in this category should be images that have been manipulated, including (but not limited to) techniques with blur, color, background or filter effects, and cutouts. Include the PDF of the spread that includes the photo illustration and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged.

NEWSPUB profile feature story
A profile feature story profiles personality figures of interest to the campus community. For each entry, include the PDF of the entire page on which the story appears, clearly indicating which story should be judged, or the link to the digital story. If a story jumps, be sure to include all pages in the PDF. Superior entries will engage readers with a strong lead, clear focus on the personality being profiled, detailed reporting, colorful description and meaningful quotes from a variety of sources.

NEWSPUB review writing
Include the PDF of the entire page on which the review appears, or the link to the digital story. Reviews may address a concert, restaurant, theatrical performance, album release, book, film, video game, website or other medium. Superior entries will offer teen consumers insight and essential background information through analysis and credible personal opinion.

NEWSPUB sports story
This category is for sports coverage other than a sports feature or sports column. For each entry, include the PDF of the entire page on which the story appears, clearly indicating which story should be judged, or the link to the digital story. If a story jumps, be sure to include all pages in the PDF. Superior entries will engage readers with a strong lead, clear coverage, detailed reporting, colorful description and meaningful quotes from a variety of sources.

NEWSPUB sports photo
For photo entries, include the PDF of the entire page or the link to the digital story and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged. Superior feature photos will offer interesting angles and composition techniques to tell a visual story. Superior sports photos will capture action or reaction in an athletic setting.

Video & Broadcast

For this category, please upload published links — not links to a Google Drive folder. 

VIDEO Commercial
Commercials should be exactly 30 seconds or 60 seconds, as required by television. Commercials should advertise products, businesses or events that are appropriate to students or their community. Commercials may also promote school clubs, events and money-making projects. Submit a link to the entry.

VIDEO On Camera Talent field reporter
This category is for compiled airchecks of the work of a single field reporter. Entries should include at least two examples of the reporter’s best work, but can include several selections from different newscasts and different stories. No studio work should be included; this is a compilation of “field” work only. The entry can include stand-ups, look-lives, field interviews and live spot reports, as well as other field reports. This category does not include live sports announcers, but it can include reporter work from sports news (e.g. game highlights and interviews). Attire and professionalism are factors in this category. Judges will assume that the airchecks included in the submission reflect the entrant’s BEST work; think of this as a demo reel to become a field reporter at a news station. Submit a link to the entry.

VIDEO On Camera Talent newscast anchor
This category is for compiled airchecks of the work of an individual person. Entries should include at least two examples of the anchor’s best work, but can include several selections from different newscasts. The compilation should focus on the traditional news anchor, not examples from a sports or feature segment within a newscast – those would go in the Studio Talent category instead. Attire and professionalism are factors in this category. Judges will assume that the airchecks included in the submission reflect the entrant’s BEST work; think of this as a demo reel to become a traditional news anchor at a news station. Submit a link to the entry.

VIDEO On Camera Talent sports announcer
This entry should be a compilation of a talent’s best on-air work as play-by-play, color commentator or sideline reporter. The airchecks should be recorded at a live sports event in real time. The announcer does not have to always appear on-camera, and the entry may be limited to announcer speaking over video of game action. Attire is a factor in the judging. Judges will assume the airchecks represent only your best work; think of this as a demo reel to become a sports play-by-play or color commentator. Submit a link to the entry.

VIDEO PSA
This entry should be exactly 30 seconds or 60 seconds, as required by television. PSAs should give information about an upcoming event or shed light on an issue or situation which affects teens, the school or the community. It may not sell a product or service. It may not promote a fundraiser unless it is truly to promote a charity. The treatment of the topic must be appropriate for a school or community audience. Submit a link to the entry.

VIDEO School Promo
This entry is a promotional video highlighting a school. Think of it as a commercial (rather than a news/feature story) for a school, although the commercial time restraints do not apply. Promos of your school’s video news program must be submitted in the Commercial category. Submit a link to the entry.

Yearbook

YEARBOOK academic spread
Each traditional yearbook section represents a separate category. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include complete coverage of appropriate section-specific topics with storytelling photos in addition to detailed and well-written copy, all while following solid design principles.

YEARBOOK advertising spread
Advertisement spreads may be submitted. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include consistent typography, effective use of graphics and photos, excellent layout and design quality.

YEARBOOK chronological spread
This category is for publications organized in chronological order rather than traditional sections. Entries may be based on a single day, week, month, season or other time period and may represent blended content from a variety of topics. Included in the PDF all pages that demonstrate a chronological section. Superior entries will utilize solid design principles to present well-written copy and strong storytelling photographs from the specified period of time.

YEARBOOK clubs/organizations spread
Each traditional yearbook section represents a separate category. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include complete coverage of appropriate section-specific topics with storytelling photos in addition to detailed and well-written copy, all while following solid design principles.

YEARBOOK cover design
Include the PDF of the complete cover. Superior entries in this category will show innovative use of photo or graphic techniques to establish a positive first impression and introduce theme/concept.

YEARBOOK endsheet/divider/colophon
For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include verbal and visual content and relevant connection to the theme. Storytelling photos will be supplemented with detailed and journalistic style captions, while the spread follows solid design principles.

YEARBOOK feature story
Include the PDF of entire double-page spread on which the story appears. If multiple stories appear, indicate clearly which is to be judged. Superior entries will engage readers with a strong lead, detailed reporting, colorful description and meaningful quotes.

YEARBOOK feature photo
For photo entries, include the PDF of complete double-page spread, and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged. Superior feature photos will offer interesting angles and composition techniques to tell a visual story.

YEARBOOK headline design
Include the PDF of entire double-page spread on which the headline package appears. Superior entries will include both primary and secondary headline to create a strong verbal/visual entry point to the spread with insightful details about the story.

YEARBOOK index spread
Each traditional yearbook section represents a separate category. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include complete coverage of appropriate section-specific topics with storytelling photos in addition to detailed and well-written copy, all while following solid design principles. Index spreads will display creative use of graphics, typography, photographs and/or sidebars to enhance the index presentation.

YEARBOOK infographic design
Include the PDF of entire double-page spread on which the informational graphic appears. Superior entries will add meaningful details to the topic with a nicely packaged graphic that includes a source for information collected and blends with the spread’s overall visual style.

YEARBOOK mini-mag or specialty/non-traditional spread
This category is for concept magazines, mini-mags or spreads that do not fall within the traditional sections. Include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will demonstrate innovative coverage and well-written copy in an interesting layout.

YEARBOOK people spread
Each traditional yearbook section represents a separate category. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include student, staff or faculty/administration portraits along with additional content which includes storytelling photos and well-written copy, all while following solid design principles.

YEARBOOK photo illustration
Entries in this category should be images that have been manipulated, including (but not limited to) techniques with blur, color, background or filter effects, cutouts and poster edges. Include the PDF of complete double-page spread, and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged.

YEARBOOK sports spread
Each traditional yearbook section represents a separate category. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include complete coverage of appropriate section-specific topics with storytelling photos in addition to detailed and well-written copy, all while following solid design principles.

YEARBOOK sports photo
For photo entries, include the PDF of complete double-page spread, and indicate clearly which photo is to be judged. Superior sports photos will capture action or reaction in an athletic setting.

YEARBOOK student life spread
Each traditional yearbook section represents a separate category. For each entry, include the PDF of complete double-page spread. Superior entries in this category will include complete coverage of appropriate section-specific topics with storytelling photos in addition to detailed and well written copy, all while following solid design principles.

YEARBOOK theme/concept development package
The following items must be included to represent a complete package in the PDF form: cover, endsheet (if printed), title page, opening spread, closing spread and one divider spread. You may choose to include one additional example demonstrating theme development elsewhere in the book (optional) and a one page PDF explaining the development of the theme (optional). Superior entries in this category will show contemporary idea fitting to school population for current year and development with visual unifiers and/or wordplay or verbal spinoffs.