1st Place, Feature Writing – Student Life
2021-22, Division 2, Yearbook Verbal
By Sydney Shrewsbury
Ceniad
East Lansing HS
On any normal fourth of July, James Knake (10) would be getting ready to celebrate independence day with family and friends like every year prior.
But in 2020, he found himself on Mackinac Island dressed in a fancy tuxedo, preparing for his mother’s wedding.
Having a family member get married in the middle of a pandemic was a new experience for Knake, but he said he couldn’t wait for it to happen.
“Before the wedding I felt a little nervous, but I was also super excited,” Knake said, “I didn’t have much to prepare for the wedding, besides practicing the poem I read during the ceremony.”
Before the bride and groom exchanged vows, Knake read “Believer’s Hymn for the Republic” by Amanda Gorman to the 150 people watching through Zoom.
“It was a little weird speaking to a camera at the wedding, but it made it easier to calm down as I would have been much more nervous speaking in front of a lot of people.” Knake said.
While Knake was focusing on reading his piece, Alexander Mielock (10) was watching just a few feet away as his friend’s mother was getting married.
“I just had this feeling of happiness for everyone as they were about to enter a new stage of life,” Mielock said. “I haven’t been to many weddings before, but I was lucky to be there in person.”
When the ceremony was over, Knake and Mielock went out to dinner with their families and made it back just in time to see the fireworks.
“Watching them with my family after our busy day was the perfect end to my fourth of July,” Knake said.
Y-01. Feature Writing – Student Life
A single story about issues and activities representative of or affecting student life in the school or community. Feature coverage emphasizes human-interest angles (who, why and how) over traditional hard news elements (what, when). Student life topics might include homecoming, prom, current events, trends, work and other issues affecting the daily student experience.
Judging Criteria
- Clear, relevant, engaging human-interest angle
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- The conclusion ties back to the central point of the story and leaves an impression on the reader by using a powerful quote, vivid anecdote or important point that acts as a “kicker.”
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar