Contests and Critiques
SCSPA offers evaluative services and awards for publications and for individual student
work. Publications receive comments and ratings that reward achievement from nationally-renowned
judges. Individual competitions recognize student work in all areas of journalism
and production.
Publication critiques
Publications must be a member to receive a critique or participate in any contest.
Publication evaluations
Experienced scholastic judges evaluate programs and provide valuable feedback to help
staffs improve as well as award excellence according to established scholastic journalism
standards. Critiqued publications receive ratings based on the judges' evaluations.
Fee: $50
BC & NP evaluations - due February 7; presented at the spring conference
MG & YB evaluations - due June 7; presented at the fall conference
ONL evaluations - due December 15; presented at the spring conference
Most improved competitions
Broadcast programs, magazines, newspapers and yearbooks may compete in the most improved
competition. Submit a copy of last school year's and this school's year publication with your evaluation to compete. Fee: $15
Mid-year evaluations
Broadcast programs and newspapers may also receive a mid-year evaluation in the fall.
A mid-year evaluation does not offer a rating, but provides feedback about weaknesses
to improve and strengths to build on the remainder of the year. Fee: $20
Individual competitions
All individual competition entries must be submitted digitally. Email entries to hsjourno@gmail.com.
BC Individual Awards
Broadcast staffs may compete in all areas: news and feature stories, public service
announcements, graphics, sports coverage, news anchor, reporter, personality profile
or human interest story, short film, man-on-the-street and videography. Awards are
announced at the spring conference. Due date: February 7. Fee: $25.
MG Individual Awards
Literary magazine staffs may compete in 12 categories.. Awards are announced at the
fall conference. Due date: June 7. Fee: $30.
NP Individual Awards
Newsprint individual awards are presented in 20 categories to staffs. Staffs may enter
twice a year – November 15 and February 28. Fee: $60 for two competition periods
ONL Individual Awards
Online staffs may compete in 19 categories twice a year – November 15 and February
28. Fee: $30.
Instagram Contest
Photographers can compete in a theme-specific contest twice a year - September and
February. $5 per entry.
YB Individual Awards
Yearbook staffs may compete in 14 categories. Awards are announced at the fall conference. Due date: June 7. Fee: $30.
