Student publications in Utica Community Schools earn nearly 200 state honors

Utica Community Schools publications earned nearly 200 top awards in a statewide competition for student journalists.

On April 18, the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) held its annual Spring Awards in Lansing, Michigan. Several UCS schools participated in MIPA’s contests throughout the year designed to challenge students, reward outstanding work and recognize those who contribute to scholastic journalism in our state.

“The success of our student journalism program reflects the strong writing skills, creative judgement and critical thinking skills being developed in UCS classrooms,” said Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns. “The top state MIPA honors demonstrate the dedication of our staff and students to excellence.”

Sixty awards were given to Utica High for their writing and design on the UHS yearbook and school newspaper and website. The three publications received the top award – the Spartan – and individual awards for layout, theme development, writing and editing.

Stevenson and Henry Ford II high schools were the recipients of 33 awards for their newspapers and yearbooks.

Stevenson’s awards included news writing, advertising and layouts. Henry Ford II earned honors for writing and layout.

Eisenhower High received 53 awards for their school newspaper and yearbook – including four top individual awards for student contributors - and three awards were given to their film department.

This year, junior high school yearbooks were ranked for the first time in a category specific to their grade levels. Both Malow and Shelby junior highs earned awards for their yearbook entries - Malow earned 27 awards and Shelby brought home 25.