2009 A Cut Above, Yearbook

a cut above The Best of the Best from the 2008 Individual Category Yearbook Contest Michigan Interscholastic Press Association

The Cover Photo

Photo taken by Jamie Daniels, Orchard Lake Middle School, First Place Winner, Feature Photo, Division MS.

Published by Michigan Interscholastic Press Association 305 Communication Arts Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 353-6761 Fax: (517) 355-7710 E-mail: mipa@msu.edu Web site: mipa.jrn.msu.edu

January 2009

Dear Friends of Journalism:

T

his is the 12th issue of Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s A Cut Above, which contains the best of high school journalism in Michigan. The purpose of this booklet is twofold: 1) to showcase the first-place winners in the MIPA Individual Category Yearbook Contest and 2) to act as a guide for students and advisers preparing contest entries for the 2009 competitions.

In the following pages you will find stories and art by first-place winners among the five divisions 1, 2, 3, 4 and Middle School for newspaper. We have included category descriptions and judging criteria for each category.

This is how we determine divisions: We look at the number of students from each school that enters the contest. We use the numbers from the The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We put schools in order from the largest down to the smallest. Division 1 contains the largest schools, and Division 4 contains the smallest. We try hard to put nearly the same number of schools in each division.

We are proud of all the winners and wish we could have published all of them, but size and space dictated how many, and in some cases, which ones, were printed. Since all the winning entries were retyped to fit the format, we apologize if any errors were made in the stories. Please remember these are just a sampling of the stories.

If you would like to help judge the 2009 entries for the Individual Category Newspaper or Yearbook contests, please call the MIPA office at (517) 353-6761 or e-mail mipa@msu.edu. Judging will take place on March 7, 2009, at the MSU School of Journalism. We need you!

I’d like to thank Julie Price, the current newspaper chairperson, and Lynn Strause, the current yearbook chairperson, as well as Diane Herder, current video chair, who all did a fantastic job of pulling off last year’s judging. This is a huge project, and we all owe them a round of applause!

I’d also like to thank Amy Brandt, Jayna Salk and Jonathan Vereecke for laying out the pages, taking photographs, scanning images and adding the documents. These three MIPA employees work hard for all of us!

Finally, I’d like to thank all the wonderful advisers, the MIPA executive board, The State News staff members and School of Journalism faculty for giving up a chunk of your Saturday to come to MSU to help judge. Without you, of course, there would be no winners!

For complete information about all of the contests, please check out the MIPA Web site at http://mipa.jrn.msu.edu.

Sincerely, Cheryl M. Pell MIPA director 305 Communication Arts Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 PHONE: (517) 353-6761 FAX: (517) 355-7710 E-MAIL: pell@msu.edu

Feature Writing: Student Life

Lets give a cheer for dear ol’ traverse Elliot VanHorn Traverse City Central High School Participating in extracurricular sports is considered by many to be an important part of the high school experience, but often overlooked are the countless number of nameless fans that flood the arenas of battle.

These students help to inspire our student athletes to perform at the peak of their ability. “Hearing our stands go nuts when our team scores is great,” Alex Homont ’07 said. “It makes us play that little bit harder that might make the difference in a close game.”

A new club, Super Fans, was created this year to help organize the fans that cheer at sporting events. This club helped to organize tailgating at football games, and the controlled insanity of the hockey student section.

“Super Fans are people that want to support our athletic teams regardless to the popularity of the sport,” Amanda Aldrich ’08 said. “Plus getting a chance to show our school spirit is always a lot of fun.”

With all the electricity in the air at big sporting events there are bound to be things that cause contro-

versy. Some people at games think that our fans have taken cheering past good sportsmanship to a level of obscenity. Some chants that involve profanity or derogatory comments about the opposing team have led to school officials to closely monitor the student section.

“Sometimes we do say things that aren’t really appropriate for school, but most of the time we are all just caught up in the moment or get frustrated at a refs call,” Ryan Gerstner ’09 said.

Not all fans are so wild at games, some people would rather support our fans with their presence rather than their voices. “I like to go to the games I can get to,” Keith Baker ’07 said. “But I don’t really go crazy with face paint and stuff, I like to hang out with my friends and watch the game.”

With all the different ways to show school spirit, and the amazing atmosphere at the games, going to school sports is always a great time no matter the outcome of the game. “School sports are fun to go to because they give you a chance to show your support for our student athletes,” Nick Escheck ;07 said. “And have a lot of fun with your friends at the same time.

Feature Writing: Student Life Feature writing and reporting on school and community from the student life section of the book.

Guidelines • clear, relevant, engaging angle • solid lead that draws reader into story •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

First place winners by division 1 Angela Soyad Stevenson 2 Elliot VanHorn Traverse City Central 3 Connor Stack Fenton 4 Jennifer Thomas Inland Lakes M Brandon Shaya Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 5

Sports Reporting Sports Reporting Sports reporting for any season that makes the reader feel that he/she is reliving the season.

Rising Above Caitlin Tetrick North Farmington High School

Guidelines • solid lead that draws reader into story • meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing •evidence of adequate research • story gives reader a clear picture of season highlights and outcome with relevant player comments • 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

First place winners by division 1 Stephanie Ferguson Lake Orion 2 Caitlin Tetrick North Farminton 3 Ryan Hundt Haslett 4 Jacqueline Hulderman Inland Lakes M No winner

6 A Cut Above

The news was devastating. As the Boys’ Swim Team prepared for their league meet, the meet that would decide their standing in the division, their coach quit and four of their swimmers were banned from participating for inappropriate behavior at a pep rally.

With two weeks left of the season, assistant coach Mike Harfoot stepped up to help the boys finish their season.

“It was a difficult challenge for me, but the guys made it a lot easier because their attitudes toward work was great in the last two weeks,” said Harfoot.

With their record, the boys only need to receive second place at leagues to clinch the Division Title.

Echoing what seemed to be the mantra of their season, the boys got it done. They earned second place at leagues losing only to their cross-town rival, the FarmingtonHarrison Phoenix, receiving their first Division Title in

many years.

This year, the boys moved down from OAA Division 1 to Division 2. The move proved to be promising and well worth it. Led by senior captains Kevin Kamis, Brian Kostukovsky and Kellen Beckwith, the boys finished the dual meet season undefeated.

“It was cool to go undefeated with such a small team because compared to the other teams, who had about 30 guys, we came into our league meet with only 18 and still won,” Beckwith said.

The addition of new freshmen Garrick Givens and Mickey McNeece, who were both state qualifiers, helped the team as well.

“Making it to States was good for next year’s competition,” said Givens. Under the guidance of Harfoot, the boys sent seven swimmers and one diver to States. Out of 71 teams, the boys finished 17th.

“Even with our small state team, we still managed to beat out a whole bunch of other schools,” said junior Darren Lim.

Sports Feature Writing

Try It On

Sports Feature Writing

Choosing Singlets was Humorous Event Muhammad Amin Orchard Lake Middle School Leave it up to the team captain to solve everyone’s uniform problems. Dressed in a long sleeved black Under Armour shirt, team captain Phil Washington, 8, shuffled between the gym and boys locker room.

Minutes before, Coach Kakos, instructed the boys to try-on a singlet and head gear.

Several boys emerged sheepishly from the locker room wearing shorts beneath their singlets while others wore jeans on the outside.

“Phil, run back to the locker room and tell them how to wear it,” Kakos said.

“Is there a singlet sized between medium and small?”

Ricky Levine, 8, asked after his medium was too long around the shoulders.

“I found the right size and everything eventually worked out,” Levine said.

One boy said, “I’m not coming out there in this. My math teacher is here.”

“They’re like wearing Spanx, only tighter,” Tim Cromer, 7, said. George Yaldo heard Cromer’s comment and said, “They are very uncomfortable. You can never get used to it.”

After one half-hour of uniform issues, Abbot MS arrived. Referee Dave Clifton lined-up both teams and ran through a brief nail and skin infection check.

Patrick Russell, 7, said he was nervous for his first match. “I don’t want to get hurt. I’ve gotten bloody noses,” he said. “I’m going to go in and try my best,” he said.

The teams had a new addition, Assistant Coach Phillip Washington, also the head coach at Farmington Harrison.

Levine said Washington improved the teams’ wrestling greatly. “He and Coach Kakos, together taught the team sportsmanship and how to lose respectfully.”

Any topic that spotlights an unusual aspect of any event, a coach, a player or any controversy.

Guidelines • clear, relevant, engaging angle • solid lead that draws reader into story •meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research •story meaningfully adds to sports coverage • 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

First place winners by division 1 Rachel Berkal Lake Orion 2 Anna Asciutto Waterford Kettering 3 Melissa Dulic Fenton 4 No winner M Muhammad Amin Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 7

Academic Writing Academic Writing Any copy which features a department, a subject or unusual academic direction but not a personality profile of a teacher.

Guidelines • clear, relevant, engaging angle • solid lead that draws reader into story •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

First place winners by division 1 Mason Semble Lake Orion 2 Christina Stricker Waterford Kettering 3 Meagan Harris Fenton 4 No Winner M Claire Forhan & Mallory Gmeiner Abbott

8 A Cut Above

Working Together

7th grade language arts classes plant a community garden in honor of a book called Seedfolks Claire Forhan & Mallory Gmeiner Abbott Middle School On Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Ms. Music, Mrs. Wynn and Mrs. Seiss’s 7th grade language arts classes gathered to plant a garden. “The students are reading a book called Seedfolks in which a community garden changes the residents’ lives,” said Mrs. Music, seventh grade LA teacher. “The seventh grade teachers felt that we could do the same thing by planting a garden.” Seedfolks is about an abandoned lot where a girl plants seeds. This causes everyone in the neighborhood to start making a garden and it turns everyone into a good person.

Almost every 7th grade student participating brought in one dollar to put toward snacks, flower bulbs and other supplies. The science department and other teachers also donated gardening equipment. Each student planted a white tulip and a blue hyacinth. These colors were chosen

because they’re our school colors “Everyone worked together because everyone came together and everyone planted,” said Maura Seleski (7).

Along with planting the 500 bulbs, every student wrote their goal or hope about being a better person on a strip of paper. They “planted” these goals with their bulb so their goals would bloom with the flower in the spring.

“We wanted to make the school look nice,” said Aubraya White (7). This activity connected to the book because hopefully planting a garden will make the students better people.

The West Bloomfield Eccentric took pictures of this even and published them in their newspaper. “Planting the garden was a good way to make the book come alive,” said Mrs. Wynn.

By working together the 7th grade language arts classes were able to plant a community garden with flowers and goals.

Organizations Writing

Sounds of Summer

During the summer at band camps and at home, Marching Band practiced frequently. All of this leading to the final performance: halftime.

Rachel Reed Waterford Kettering High School On Friday night, there’s only one place to find sophomore Amber Hill: at a football game. She won’t be flying high in a routine or huddled under a blanket.

Hill will be marching across the field with about 60 other students in the Marching Band.

As a marching band captain, Hill practices her clarinet for at least a half an hour every day. In addition to this practice, she marches with the band three times a week for two to three hours. At these practices, they repeat the routines over and over until they are perfect.

“It’s fun to hang out with everyone and be able to call yourself a band geek,” she said.

The Marching Band doesn’t start practicing in September, or even August. Their practice starts much earlier, in July. Pre-band camp is two weeks of conditioning where the marchers learn different turns and

roll-stepping.

After this, the marchers spend a week at Little Pine Island Salvation Army Camp, learning the different routines for the halftime show. This year band camp was packed full of things to do.

“Camp is an excellent experience,” said sophomore Laura Titus. “You meet new people and drink a lot of Gatorade.”

Even with the band practicing 9-10 hours a day, there is still time to relax. Every night there is a bonfire, skit or dance to go to. Another favorite is cabinball, a version of baseball played inside the guys’ cabins.

However, band camp isn’t all fun and games. There is still a show to learn, and at least four more songs to memorize drill for. They practice every week throughout the rest of the summer and football season.

“This is my home away from home,” said junior Katie Cox.

Organizations Writing Writing that gives the reader a fresh view of the organization.

Guidelines • solid lead that draws reader into story •meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research •story does not center on purpose of group or simply review their activities • 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

First place winners by division 1 Sherry Amore Stevenson 2 Rachel Reed Waterford Kettering 3 Connor Stack Fenton 4 Kali Hatfield & Jasper Van’t Veen

Inland Lakes M Nicole Sheena Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 9

Personality Profile Personality Profile Writing featuring a teacher, staff member or student that makes the character three dimensional.

Guidelines • clear, relevant, engaging angle that makes story worthy of inclusion • solid lead that draws reader into story •meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research •story goes beyond superficial coverage to give a total perspective and feel for the subject • 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

First place winners by division 1 Jennifer Bowman Cousino 2 Jessica VanFleteren Waterford Kettering 3 Erika Mock Fenton 4 No Winner M No Winner

10 A Cut Above

Cut to the Chase Commence, Cut and Color!

Jennifer Bowman Cousino HS Most students in their four years of high school acquire basics to move on to a four-year college or university, but college is not for everyone. Gaining new skills for a trade can be beneficial, making it easier to start work right now of high school, paying off in the long run.

Many skilled students decide to jump start their careers while either taking Co-op or taking courses at the Career Prep Center. But what happens when your choice career is not offered there and the district will not fund your alternative schooling? Carly Porter ’07 will tell you that it can be very difficult financially and stressful mentally juggling school and training for cosmetology at the same time. “The school won’t fund my cosmetology school because I’m already taking CPC and it’s too much money. So my parents have to pay 10,000 dollars for me to go to school.” Porter is attending The Gallery College of Beauty on 16 mile and Gratiot for her major in cosmetology and design. She is planning to be able to

be a licensed practitioner of her trade as soon as possible after commencement (graduation). After she receives her license Porter plans on moving to Florida and working in a high-paced, prestigious salon. “Eventually, after I work a while in a salon I want to open my own salon and be an entrepreneur and work from my house” said Porter. This will allow her to have a family and still be doing something she loves. Porter added, “I’ve wanted to cut and style hair ever since I was a little girl, now I am finally able to make my dream a reality.” Porter must wait to graduate from Cousino before she can pursue any further interest in this art. “I was planning to do a Co-op in a salon but the school wouldn’t allow me to do CPC and Co-op and pay for cosmetology. It would have been ideal to start working straight out of high school, or even before I graduated but things just didn’t work out that way.” Some people take breaks after they graduate to get organized and figure out what they are planning to major in while others like Porter, know exactly where they’re going and just want to cut to the chase in Porter’s case, literally.

Sidebar Writing Sidebar Writing Any article on a topic that adds to spread coverage.

Guidelines • solid lead that draws reader into story •meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing • evidence of adequate research •story enhances spread coverage by adding meaningful information and/or insights • 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

First place winners by division

By Gracelin Baskaran, Stevenson High School As students prepare to say one of their final goodbyes to their fellow classmates and friends they’ve seen countless times in the hallways, at parties, sporting events and more, they make it a night to remember by going wild ‘n out for their last dance.

Taking a deep breath as the sun shone brightly on her carefully made up face, dark brown curled hair and bubblegum pink dress, senior Missy Saveski stepped off the fireman red trolley with her date, senior Dan Decarolis, in tow.

It was finally time. It was the seniors’ night to begin to say goodbye to the faces they had seen roam the halls and countless times over the past three years.

They were wild and out. It was prom time. As they entered Penna’s banquet hall for the last dance of their school career, through the first one off school premises, the couple lined up to redeem their ticket.

“I was so excited [about prom] because it’s what we’ve always waited for,” Saveski said. “I have such a great date; I went with him to my first dance of high school, sophomore homecoming, and there’s no other way that I would have ended but to go with him to my last dance also.”

After entering Penna’s, Saveski and Decarolis looked for their reserved seats as music played softly in the background and a slideshow displayed pictures from their high school years. Balloons with zebra stripes and leopard spots arched across the elegant hall, matching the carefully selected vinyl tablecloths.

“The decorations were really nice and subtle; they didn’t overdo it but they were noticeable,” she said. “It really looked cute and went along with the theme well.”

As the night progressed and more students arrived, the meal of lemon chicken, beef tenderloin, green bean, soup, salad and baked potatoes began to flow out of the kitchen as servers filled the area between tables.

“The food and service were all right,” Decarolis said.

“The service wasn’t too fast or too slow. I don’t feel like I got enough food for my money’s worth, but I still liked Penna’s compared to what I heard with the bad food at Andiamo’s last year.”

As the servers flowed back out of the kitchen to clear the empty plates, “Pop Lock and Drop it” began blaring from the speakers. Students quickly jumped up and began to cram the small dance floor.

“Everyone being on the same floor and dancing themselves until they couldn’t stand up for the last time was such a bittersweet picture,” Decarolis said. “It was so much fun and I’ll never forget it; but at he same time it was sad because I don’t know that I’ve ever going to see these people again.”

After several hours of dancing to heart-thumping, pulsifying music, the action began to fade. The wild night ended with “Move On” by Rascal Flatts. Slowly, couples separated, returning to their tables and gathering their belongings.

“It was all sad towards the ending because one of the best memories of my high school career is over,” Decarolis said.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet though. I don’t think it will until college starts.”

As couples began to flow out of Penna’s and enter their vehicles—whether a car, limo, party bus, or trolley, the rest of the night and the journey of the rest of their lives was just beginning.

1 Gracelin Baskaran Stevenson 2 Meagan Mosakoski Waterford Kettering 3 No Winner 4 Zack Moffett & Tyler Zuker Ithaca M Jamie Daniels Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 11

Headline Writing Headline Writing Include at least three examples, including secondary and primary headlines. Do not submit label or one-word headlines.

Guidelines • clever/imaginative, engaging the reader •draws reader into copy • contents of headline establishes visual/verbal connection between photos and copy •headline/subhead makes spread content clear • adheres to rules of good journalism including: avoiding label headlines; freedom from editorial comment; careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors; correct use of grammar

First place winners by division 1 Joann Choi Troy 2 Lauren Wamsley, Erin Robison & Ali Cabadas Waterford Kettering 3 Nicole Norman, Erin Ladd & Katy Black Fenton 4 Hayleigh Cooper, Amanda Johnson & Hayley Godley Ithaca M No Winner

12 A Cut Above

By Nicole Norman, Erin Ladd & Katy Black Fenton High School

Caption Writing Caption Writing Captions which have been written for three photographs, one of which must be for a minor sport.

Guidelines • begin with strong leads, not name or title •contain at least two sentences that answer all reader’s questions without stating the obvious • evidence of adequate research which provides information that adds to reader’s understanding of event or situation •clearly identifies all people in photo with both first and last (sports captions should also identify names of players on opposing team) • 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

First place winners by division 1 Shannon McEown, Kristy Kaer, Sheree Schmidt & Jason Brown Waterford Mott 2 Ashli Hogan, Adrianna McIntyre & Christopher Moon Utica 3 Megan Capinegro Lakeview-Battle Creek 4 Blake Showers, Brooklyn Misenhelder & Tyler Zuker Ithaca M Tim Oram & Geoff McCann Orchard Lake

By Megan Capinegro, Lakeview-Battle Creek

A Cut Above 13

Cover and Endsheet Design Cover and Endsheet Design Theme selection and development. Entry should include coverdesign, endsheets, introduction, division pages and closing.

Entry must include actual cover and both front and back endsheets. Do not submit stock endsheets.

Guidelines • cover/endsheet introduces unifying concept visually/ verbally • design is fresh and contemporary • cover creates favorable impression through use of type/color/materials • book name and year appear on cover and spine • Spine also includes school name, city, state and yearbook volume number • endsheets are attractive and either plain or contain illustrative/informative content with solid design

First place winners by division 1 Staff Lake Orion 2 Brianna White & Erin Robison Waterford Kettering 3 Rachel Reardon & Leah Lucas Fenton 4 Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M Staff Orchard Lake

14 A Cut Above

By Staff, Lake Orion High School

Opening and Closing Designs Opening and Closing Designs The introductory and closing spreads.

Guidelines • designs are fresh and contemporary, setting them apart from standard designs but are similar to each other •photos, copy, captions, headlines and white space are arranged to help reader begin and end story of year • designs carry elements of theme concept •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines and show evidence of careful planning

First place winners by division 1 Melissa Bailey Clarkston

By Melissa Bailey, Clarkston High School

2 Shelby Booker North Farmington 3 Whitney VanDenBerg & Abby Wood Haslett 4 Eric Dresden Breckenridge M Jon Natso & Tim Oram Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 15

Division Page Design Division Page Design One set of all division pages in yearbook.

Guidelines • designs are fresh and contemporary, setting them apart from standard designs but are similar to each other •photos, copy, captions, headlines and white space are arranged to introduce reader to contents of section • designs carry elements of theme concept •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines and show evidence of careful planning

First place winners by division 1 Lauren Johansson Troy 2 Adrianna McIntyre Utica 3 Rachel Reardon & Leah Lucas Fenton 4 Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M Jon Natso & Tim Oram Orchard Lake

16 A Cut Above

By Lauren Johansson, Troy High School

Student Life Spread Student Life Spread One spread from student life section.

Guidelines

By Alexa Edgerton, Inland Lakes High School

First place winners by division 1 Jenny Vainberg Troy 2 Ali Cabadas, Erin Robinson & Starr Sexton Waterford Kettering 3 Melis Agabigum & Erin Ladd Fenton 4 Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M No winner

•designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning •dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side •photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos •no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread •non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design •graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design •headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection •copy and captions are readable size and use readable font •captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

A Cut Above 17

Academic Spread Academic Spread One spread from the academic section.

Guidelines •designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning •dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side •photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos of students engaged in learning, not the teachers •no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread •non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design •graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design •headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/ verbal connection •copy and captions are readable size and use readable font •captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

18 A Cut Above

First place winners by division 1 Chelsea Siver Lake Orion 2 Ryan Knapp Utica 3 Connor Stack Fenton 4 Kali Hatfield, Jennifer Thomas & Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M Shireen Mohyi Orchard Lake

By Ryan Knapp, Utica High School

A Cut Above 19

Organization Spread Organization Spread One spread from the organization section.

Guidelines •designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning •dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side •photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos •no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread •non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design •graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design •headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection •copy and captions are readable size and use readable font •captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader •if group pictures are included on spread, they are not the dominant element and are arranged to blend with the overall design of the spread •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

20 A Cut Above

By Lauren Hinson, Brianna White & Starr Sexton, Waterford Kettering High School

First place winners by division 1 Chandra Dean & Jordan Depner Stevenson 2 Lauren Hinson, Brianna White & Starr Sexton Waterford Kettering 3 No winner 4 Kali Hatfield, Corey Marks & Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M No winner

People Spread People Spread One spread from either student or faculty/administration coverage.

Guidelines

By Tricia Makin, Stevenson High School

First place winners by division 1 Tricia Makin Stevenson 2 Emily Kuusisto, Kyle Mallard & Meagan Mosakoski Waterford Kettering 3 Samantha Sly & Katy Black Fenton

•designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning •dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side •photos effectively cropped, of various size, shape and content •no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread •non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design •graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design •headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/ verbal connection •copy and captions are readable size and use readable font •captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader •mug shots are arranged in panels with names to the outside •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

4 Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M Randy Thoms Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 21

Sports Spread Sports Spread One spread from the sports section.

Guidelines • designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning • dominance is established and other elements are arranged in such a way as to lead reader’s eye around spread • adequate external margins provide frame for spread contents and are defined by at least one element on each side • photos effectively cropped, of varied size, shape and content; content concentrates on action photos • no center of interest in photo is trapped in gutter; action and faces in photos do not face off spread • non-rectangular photos, tilted photos and other special treatments are used sparingly and effectively to enhance overall design • graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • headlines has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection • copy and captions are readable size and use readable font • captions touch photos to which they refer. for group or clustered captions attention has been paid to making them accessible to reader • if team pictures are included on spread, they are not used as dominant element and are arranged to blend with overall design • if scoreboards are involved on spread, they are attractively designed to blend with the overall look of the spread and set in a readable font and size • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

22 A Cut Above

By Jessica Woodruff, Waterford Mott High School

First place winners by division 1 Jessica Woodruff Waterford Mott 2 Diana Emerson North Farmington 3 No winner 4 Brittany Loca & Alexa Edgerton Inland Lakes M Jamie Daniels Orchard Lake

Advertising Spread Advertising Spread One student-produced spread.

Guidelines •spread is attractively designed with a variety of ad sizes for contrast •graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design • if features are included, they are designed to enhance the overall look of the spread and follow design guidelines •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

First place winners by division 1 No winner

By Anna Raphael, Ithaca HS

2 Brianna White Waterford Kettering 3 Sheila Bergeron & Katy Black Fenton 4 Anna Raphael Ithaca

A Cut Above 23

Graphics Graphics One spread illustrating contemporary use of graphics.

Guidelines • graphics add to spread content and design • use of graphics shows evidence of careful planning and clear purpose • while graphic use may be innovative, the staff adheres to journalistic guidelines

First place winners by division 1 Jamie Fuss & Julie Kreski Waterford Mott 2 Ashley Field Waterford Kettering 3 Leah Lucas & Rachel Reardon Fenton 4 John-Mark Cuarto Berrien Springs M Tim Oram Orchard Lake

24 A Cut Above

By John-Mark Cuarto, Berrien Springs High School

Sports Action Photo Sports Action Photo Well-cropped, in-focus photo with excellent tonal quality.

Guidelines •photo has strong story-telling content •photo has been effectively cropped to emphasize center of interest and enhance content • photo is technically strong: in focus; free from scratches, dust or fingerprints; proper contrast; not too grainy or muddy •photographer paid attention to rules of composition

First place winners by division

By Jessica Capron, Gull Lake High School

1 Meagan Epperson & Samantha Honea Grand Blanc 2 Michael Nye Utica 3 Jessica Capron Gull Lake 4 Kaitlin Spooner Grant M Becca Rosenblatt Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 25

Academic Photo Academic Photo Photo focused on students in a learning situation either in or out of class.

Guidelines •photo has strong story-telling content •photo has been effectively cropped to emphasize center of interest and enhance content • photo is technically strong: in focus; free from scratches, dust or fingerprints; proper contrast; not too grainy or muddy •photographer paid attention to rules of composition

First place winners by division 1 Kali Riley Waterford Mott 2 Elyssa Warren Utica 3 Gloria Gamin Northwest 4 Staff Willow Run M Shireen Mohyi Orchard Lake

26 A Cut Above

By Gloria Gamin, Northwest High School

Feature Photo Feature Photo Human interest photo with emphasis on people in their environment. Do not submit posed shots or portraits.

Guidelines •photo has strong story-telling content •photo has been effectively cropped to emphasize center of interest and enhance content • photo is technically strong: in focus; free from scratches, dust or fingerprints; proper contrast; not too grainy or muddy •photographer paid attention to rules of composition

First place winners by division 1 Lauren Johansson Troy

By Sarah Fletcher, Mona Shores High School

2 Sarah Fletcher Mona Shores 3 Becca Rausch Fenton 4 TIE Emily Jones Inland Lakes Staff Willow Run M Michelle Auslander & Jennifer Thomas Orchard Lake

A Cut Above 27

Feature Presentation Feature Presentation An unusual feature from any section. Subject selection, writing, photography and design will be considered.

Guidelines WRITING •copy has engaging angle, solid lead and meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing •captions begin with strong lead and contain at least two sentences that answer all reader’s questions and clearly identifies all people • copy and captions show evidence of adequate research •clever, engaging headline that draws reader into story and establishes visual/verbal connection •adheres to rules of good journalism including: use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading, correct use of grammar

By Crystal Thayer, Laingsburg High School

DESIGN •designed as two-page visual unit, arrangement of photos, headline, copy, captions and white space invite reader onto spread and show careful planning •special treatments are used sparingly and effectively •graphics and typography enhance readability and attractiveness of design •headline has contemporary design and establishes visual/verbal connection •while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines

PHOTOGRAPHY •photos have strong storytelling content and are effectively cropped •photos are technically strong and show evidence of composition rules

*For more details, see complete criteria for categories 1, 8, 9, 13 and 20

28 A Cut Above

First place winners by division 1 Vanessa Atanasoski Stevenson 2 Ashli Hogan Utica 3 Grady Foley & Jessica Halfyard Fenton 4 Crystal Thayer Laingsburg M Brandon Shaya Orchard Lake

Index Index Creative use of graphics, typography, photos and/or short features to enhance the presentation of the index.

Guidelines •complete listing of all persons, events, clubs, activities, sports and advertisements •set in readable font and size • attractive design that adds to overall impressions

First place winners by division 1 Megan Jenkins Athens 2 Brianna White Waterford Kettering

By Megan Jenkins, Athens High School

3 Chelsea Rummel Fenton 4 Jenifer Kremsreiter & Alysen Glowney Ithaca M Nicole Lally Traverse City East

A Cut Above 29

Theme Development Theme Development Theme selection and development. Entry must include cover, endsheets, opening, dividers and closing.

Guidelines • theme selection is fresh and contemporary as well as appropriate to the individual school •theme concept is introduced visually/verbally on cover • theme concept carries through visualy/verbally on endsheet, opening, dividers and closing showing careful development •photos on theme spreads relate to theme concept as part of total theme package • overall design of theme spreads is fresh and contemporary, setting them apart from other sections of the book • while designs may be innovative, they adhere to journalistic guidelines and show evidence of careful planning

First place winners by division 1 Lauren Johansson & Andrew Corey Troy 2 Staff Waterford Kettering 3 Rachel Reardon & Leah Lucas Fenton 4 Staff Breckenridge M Jon Nafso & Tim Oram Orchard Lake

30 A Cut Above

By Staff, Breckenridge High School