On April 14, The Paw Print newspaper staff attended the Ohio Scholastic Media Association (OSMA) state convention at Kent State University where they were awarded first place for their biweekly newsmagazine.
The convention strives to educate high school students on the principles of journalism. This two-day event hosts a series of workshops covering topics related to newspaper writing and yearbook design. To end the convention, there is an award ceremony and a speech from a keynote speaker. This year, Cathy Kuhlmeier from the infamous Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier Supreme Court case spoke about her experience of her newspaper article being censored by her high school administration in 1983.
Kuhlmeier spoke about her experience as a student journalist involved in a first amendment case and gave background information to the case not commonly read about in textbooks.
“It was quite amazing to meet her [Kuhlmeier]! I find it disappointing that SCOTUS didn’t rule on the side of Kuhlmeier because I feel the censored content from their school paper was bringing needed attention to an issue facing their community,” The Paw Print managing editor Riley Sumption ‘23 said. “On the bright side, I got her to sign the women’s history issue of The Paw Print, and I’m glad I got to speak with her.”
Adviser Natalie Tannehill submitted three full issues to compete in the overall newsmagazine category. The Paw Print shares their first place rating with three other Ohio high schools.
Additionally, many Green students earned individual recognition. The awards were rated on a scale of superior, excellent, and honorable mention. The staff managed to receive seven awards and eight honorable mentions: Mckenzie Collinsworth, Superior for Newspaper Sports page layout; Jackson Hall, Excellent for General Feature; Taylor Mccarty, Excellent for On-air Talent; Davis Stanley, Excellent for Broadcast Sports; Jackson Hall, Excellent for Commentary; Mckenzie Collinsworth, Excellent for Newsmagazine Feature Page Layout; Mckenzie Collinsworth, Excellent for Newsmagazine Sports Page Layout.
“I’m really proud of our staff and everything we’ve accomplished this year because we all work very hard. Winning some awards was just an added bonus and really gave us some confidence going into next year,” design editor Mckenzie Collinsworth ‘24 said.
Advisor Natalie Tannehill believes that her students should feel proud of what they accomplished this year. This was the first year that The Paw Print attended this state competition, and Tannehill is hopeful that her staff will become regular members for years to come.
“After not competing for the past few years due to the pandemic, I was excited to bring the staff back to Kent State this year,” Tannehill said. “Winning first place and seeing so many of my students win individual awards made the entire event extra special, and I am very proud of them.”
The Paw Print will release Issue 12 on May 12 to celebrate the graduating members of the staff. Articles are published weekly on their website, www.ghspawprint.org.