The U-High Midway received 50 awards in the 2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association Newspaper and Digital News Media Contest, a state-wide contest for top journalism programs.
Additionally, the Midway has again been named Best Hybrid Publication and Best Overall Publication in its state-wide division for schools with enrollment up to 840 students. In total, the Midway received 25 first places, 17 second places, 5 third places and 3 honorable mentions.
Light Dohrn, assistant editor, won both first and second place in the review category for her reviews on “One Piece” and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” Reviews being her favorite style of journalism to write made winning all the more special, Light said.
“I really love watching or reading or consuming media and then getting to think about it in a sort of analytical and journalistic way,” she said.
Now being in advanced journalism, Light feels a much closer connection to the Midway team, and in turn the awards, than when she was a beginning journalist.
“When we receive recognition now, I’m able to really feel part of the crew, part of the family,” she said.
The full list of awards is below:
Best Hybrid Publication
Best Overall Publication
News Story
1st: Multiple thefts reported this month, Sahana Unni
2nd: University bars land acknowledgement statements, Clare McRoberts
In-Depth News Story
1st: Students use Zyn nicotine products, despite discouragement, Audrey Park
2nd: Fact or fiction: Teens use social media as news source, risks included, Clare McRoberts
Feature Story
2nd: Hiding honky-tonk, Audrey Park
3rd: Fragrance fanatics: trend sparks student interest in cologne, Sahana Unni
Personality Profile
1st: Sewn together: Ki Kim and Yang Kim, Skye Freeman
2nd: Juggling Act: Senior works to explore passions with numerous roles in upcoming fall play, Taariq Ahmed
Sports News Story
1st: 7 seniors commit to play college athletics in community event, Taariq Ahmed
Sports Feature Story
1st: Coaching with care: Tyrone Mason, Jaya Alenghat
2nd: Muslim student athletes navigate fasting during Ramadan while maintaining physical endurance, Jaya Alenghat
Sports Commentary
1st: A new White Sox stadium would be beneficial but nonessential, Jaya Alenghat
3rd: Like their male counterparts, allow female athletes to display emotion during competitions, Victoria Washington
Staff Editorial
1st: After alarm, attitude must change, Mia Lipson
2nd: Election breach threatens student voice, Clare McRoberts
Serious Commentary
1st: It’s time to end legacy admissions, Clare McRoberts
HM: Mindy Kaling’s depiction of Indian women isn’t a step forward, Sahana Unni
Review
1st: Live-action anime series, ‘One Piece,’ exceeds expectations, Light Dohrn
2nd: ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ brings strong acting, flawed storytelling, Light Dohrn
News or Feature Photo
1st: A community essential: Phillip Raoul (main image), Eli Raikhel
HM: Arm wrestling battle, (Photo 2), Alex Diamond
Sports Photo
1st: One-run loss ends baseball season, Matthew McGehee (Class of 2023)
3rd: Gallery: Winter sports in review (Photo 3: Boys basketball), Ellis Calleri
Editorial Cartoon
2nd: Election breach threatens student voice, Eliza Dearing
HM: Safety changes emphasize distrust, Eliza Dearing
Best Illustration
1st: In-Depth: Affirmative Apprehension, Eliza Dearing
3rd: Arts: Deceptive drama, Sygne Stole
Infographic
1st: 99.1-06 In-Depth: Affirmative Apprehension (6 key events timeline), Audrey Park
3rd: 99.5-09 Arts: Five to Try, Chloë Alexander
Alternative Storytelling
1st: News: Fresh faces, Audrey Park, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Sahana Unni
2nd: In-Depth: U-High students also aren’t too enthusiastic (poll), Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
Use of Social Media
1st: Instagram
Headline
2nd: Features: Fragrance Fanatics, Clare McRoberts, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
Multimedia Story Package
1st: Balancing Act: A brotherly bond drives twin gymnasts Akshay and Kavan Puri to success, William Tan (Class of 2023), Matt Petres (Class of 2023)
2nd: Mocktail Mania: Fruity, fizzy drinks offer nonalchoholic, fun beverage option, Haley Maharry, Jaya Alenghat, Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Olin Nafziger
Video Story
1st: Video: Taylor Swift fans unite over clothing, bracelets and songs, Clare McRoberts
2nd: New club provides outlet for musicians, gives back to community, Haley Maharry
Audio Journalism
1st: Audio: Chicago music school experiences boom in business, Ari Novak
2nd: Audio: Band shares joy of music with youngest Lab students in Halloween parade, Skye Freeman
Photo Gallery or Photo Slideshow
1st: ArtsFest activities reflect students spirit, creativity, Taariq Ahmed, Chloë Alexander, Skye Freeman
2nd: U-High celebrates community spirit in annual Homecoming assembly, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Alex Diamond, Bryce Light, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel
Website
1st: uhighmidway.com
Single-Page Story Package
1st: City Life: Emmett Till museum, Clare McRoberts
2nd: Arts: Hiding honky-tonk, Chloë Alexander, Audrey Park, Mia Lipson, Haley Maharry
Centerspread Story Package
1st: In-Depth: Freedom Flare-up, Audrey Park
2nd: In-Depth: Affirmative Apprehension, Audrey Park
Photo Story
1st: Sports: Raw reactions, Zara Siddique, Sahana Unni
Front-Page Design
1st: Vol. 99, Issue 7, Feb. 22, 2024, Mia Lipson
2nd: Vol. 98, Issue 21, June 1, 2023, Mia Lipson
Overall Design
