1st Place, Feature Writing – Student Life
2021-22, Division 3, Yearbook Verbal
By Bailey Graham
Compass Points
Mona Shores HS
For the fourth time in history, a sitting President visited Muskegon when President Donald Trump came to the Muskegon International Airport on Oct. 17.
“It was crazy,” senior Mason Klos said. “There were Trump flags and signs everywhere. It was great to talk to all the other Trump supporters, watch Air Force One fly in, and, obviously, see the President in person.”
Klos said he felt it was important to hear what Trump had to say.
“I went to show support for my President,” Klos said. “I have believed in the President throughout his term, and the results have been promising, and hearing him speak in person only proved to me more how much he deserved another four years and my first-ever vote in an election.”
President Trump gave Shores’ students more knowledge of important issues that affect voting.
“My favorite thing was listening to him speak about the working class,” senior Jaden Zitka said. “He made a lot of good points about how he will prioritize those in the lower and middle class who are working for their families.”
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