Mill Valley journalism, which includes student journalists from the JagWire newspaper, the JAG yearbook and MVTV, won the title of second place at the KSPA state journalism contest on Saturday, May 6. This is the 15th consecutive year that Mill Valley News has placed in the top three at state.

Mill Valley was also the only school in the state to be awarded four All-Kansas honors, which is the highest rating in the state’s publication critique service. Thirteen students from the staff helped contribute to the overall 41 points awarded by placing in various categories.

Journalism advisor Kathy Habiger believes the contest was an overall success.

“We have three state champions out of the deal, one who is a sophomore,” Habiger said. “Our seniors did really well, and to know they only had one last shot at it, was a great feeling to have them go out on a good note.”

Junior Mill Valley News Online editor-in-chief Alison Booth, who placed first in multimedia storytelling, second in copy editing and received an honorable mention in news writing, feels like the results solidified her journalism career.

“It made me incredibly happy and also made me feel like I can put a label on my journalistic accomplishments,” Booth said.

Sophomore JAG yearbook academics editor Libby Mullican placed first in the photo gallery category and believes the advice from her peers on staff that she received lead to her success.

“Along the way, I checked in with my advisors and peers to get their feedback on my pictures,” Mullican said. “I also contribute my success to the positive and uplifting environment that our journalism department has. When I submitted my photos, I did not feel very confident, but I have gained more confidence and pride in my work.”

Last year, journalism placed first at the KSPA state contest, and although the results from this year didn’t mirror that, Mullican and Booth both view the results positively.

“Our department is full of amazing people with impeccable creativity and skill,” Mullican said. “Just knowing how much time, energy, and spirit our team put in makes me even more proud to work with them. Of course, we were looking to defend our state title from last year, but at the end of the day, we were all very happy with our results.”

State medalists:
Libby Mullican, first place in online photo gallery
Sarah Morgan, first place in caption writing
Alison Booth, Raya Lehan and Kaylie McLaughlin, first place in multimedia storytelling
Alison Booth, second place in copy editing and honorable mention in news writing
Allison Winker, honorable mention in yearbook copy writing
Braden Shaw, third place in sports writing
Sarah Morgan and Laken Wagner, honorable mention in yearbook theme development
Jessi Mitchell and Alexis Strauss, second place in yearbook theme development
Margaret Mellott, honorable mention in online photo gallery and second place in news page design
Annie Myers, second place in headline writing and design
Victoria Wright, third place in new page design