The Sacramento Journalism Network has recognized outstanding student journalism from participating schools in its ninth annual awards competition.

Led by C. K. McClatchy High School, with five first place winners, four participating schools earned accolades in this year’s awards.

Besides the competition winners, Sac County Breeze student editor Jessica Sheppard of Rio Americano High School was singled out for recognition as the Outstanding Student Editor of 2020.

As a result of the schools shutdown and the mandatory state shelter in place order, the annual Sacramento Journalism Awards Dinner at Mather Field was cancelled. The student winners will be recognized on this new Sac County Breeze website where their winning entries will be featured under the awards tab. The first place plaques and certificates for second, third and honorable mention winners will mailed direct to the students.

This is the first time in nine years that the journalism  competition winners have not been recognized in front of their peers, their family and their teachers at the Sacrament County Office of Education conference center at Mather Field.

Here is the complete list of winners:

2020 Sacramento Journalism Network Awards

Best News Writing

First, Katherine Krinsky, K. McClatchy High School, “Alleged discrimination causes lawsuit against SCUSD”

Second, Joseph Bender, Rio Americano High School, “AB493 extends support to LGBTQ students”

Second, Iris Harshaw, Davis Senior High School, “Advocates pursue innovative plans to help homeless neighbors in Davis.

Third, Clara Ault, Davis Senior High School, “Full classes”

Honorable Mention, Annalee Gorman, Rio Americano High School, “Ethnic studies”

 

Best Feature Writing

First, Lyah Fitzpatrick, Davis Senior High School, “ “Teen humor memes: Coping mechanism or stupidity?”

Second, Alexa Gray, . K. McClatchy High School, Greta Thunberg is extraordinary.”

Third, Clara Ault, Davis Senior High School, “Mariachi”

Honorable Mention, Iris Harshaw, Davis Senior High School, “Foreign student profiles”

 

Best Editorial Writing

First, Aaron Ichel, Rio Americano High School, “Action is the only thing strong enough to stop anti-Semitism”

Second, Joseph Bender, Rio Americano High School, “College debt demands a solution”

Third Place, Clara Ault, Davis Senior High School, “Push for a cleaner campus”

 

Best Opinion Writing

First, Helen Phun, C. K. McClatchy High School, “The harm caused by not hiring enough teachers”

Second, Katie Newton and Annalee Gorman, Rio Americano High School, “Increase in fragility on college campuses”

Third, Mia van de Heetkamp, C. K. McClatchy High School, “The unwarranted attack on country music”

Third, Alicia Cornish, Kit Carson International Academy, “The truth behind rap”

Honorable Mention, Jessica Sheppard, Rio Americano High School, “UC’s being selective

 

Best Column Opinion Writing

First, Mirella Bennet, Kit Carson International Academy, “ The Revolution Is Coming.”

Second, William Clement, Kit Carson International Academy, “Come To Age: My Perspective

Third, Katherine Krinsky, C. K. McClatchy High School, “ Why does feminism have a negative connotation?”

 

Best Entertainment Writing

First, McKenzie Crall, C. K. McClatchy High School, “ Brockhampton is not what  you picture a boy band to be”

Second, Katherine Krinsky, C. K. McClatchy High School, “Harry Styles incredible second album”

Third, Alexa Gray, C. K. McClatchy High School, “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens”

Honorable Mention, Devin Freeman, C. K. McClatchy High School, “Lana Del Rey’s new album”

 

Best Sports Writing

First, Mickey Doolittle, Rio Americano High School, “ Rio versus Jesuit basketball”

Second, Katie Newton, Rio Americano High School, “Seniors seek college competition”

Third, Helen Phun, C. K. McClatchy High School, “Tragic fall to Dixon on Homecoming night”

 

Best In-depth Newswriting

First, Olivia Cuevas-Carle, Helen Phun, Kate Tully, C. K. McClatchy High School, “Funds diverted from class without proper authorization

Second, Allyson Kang, Davis Senior High School, “Investigating a medical mystery

Third, Emma Basco, Clara McNatt, C. K. McClatchy High School, “The future of the HISP program in question”

 

Best Photography

First, Gabe Mills, C. K. McClatchy High School

Second, Emma Hutchinson, Rio Americano High School

Third, Kate Newton, Rio Americano

 

Best Multimedia Achievement

First, Iris Harshaw, Davis Senior High School

 

Outstanding Editor of the Year

Jessica Sheppard, Rio Americano High School