1st Place, Feature Writing – Academics
2021-22, Division 3, Yearbook Verbal
By Vaughn Lakatos
Compass Points
Mona Shores HS
No chess skills were necessary, but junior Xavier Lipps and other students crafted a pawn chess piece out of zinc while learning low temperature forging.
“We heat up little scraps of zinc into a lava-like consistency, and then pour it into rubber molds with the help of (industrial arts teacher Pat) Rabbitt,” Lipps said. “After the metal hardens and cools, we file it down to create smooth edges; we then shine the zinc to create a finished look.”
While some students practiced the skills found in low-foundry metaling, others worked on high-temperature forging.
“For high-temperature forging, students pick out a figurine piece and create a sand mold,” Rabbitt said. “They then heat aluminum to around 1,200 degrees to a pouring consistency, adding the liquid to the sand mold. The project then needs to get cut from the mold and filed down, and it is complete.”
Regardless of which forging students chose, most enjoyed the projects.
“My favorite part of the project was pouring the zinc,” Lipps said. “It is quick and easy as well as super fun. It is really important to work with this metal in a safe manor, but Mr. Rabbitt does a great job at teaching the safest precautions. The filing down process took up a majority of the project, but even that was really enjoyable.”
Y-02. Feature Writing
A single story about an academic department, a subject, a class or an issue that emphasizes academics — but not a personality profile of a teacher. Academics coverage commonly depicts students in a learning situation either in or out of class. Feature coverage emphasizes human-interest angles (who, why and how) over traditional hard news elements (what, when).
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
- Story goes beyond simply reviewing what happens in classroom
- 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