Orono's Yearbook Takes Home Hardware at National Convention

Information and photos courtesy of the Orono School District.

The Orono High School yearbook, Spartan Annual, once again distinguished itself as an example of excellent student journalism.

The national Journalism Educators Association and the Minnesota High School Press Association awarded the must-own publication multiple honors.

At last month's Journalism Educators Association national convention in Minneapolis, four seniors were recognized. Senior and editor-in-chief Jennifer Gardner and assistant senior editor-in-chief Maggie Ellis earned "Superior" ratings in their respective categories (Academics and Clubs). In addition, senior portraits editor Katie Serena earned an Honorable Mention in the category of Student Life.

Students were given information from which they had to write an article and photo captions on the spot. Work was judged by professionals from such publications as the Star Tribune and Minnesota Monthly.

Senior photo editor Sarah Stark earned an "Excellent" rating for her collection of photos in the category of Student Life.

Of the 1,678 participants, 669 received awards. Only 119 of those were ratings of Superior.

The Spartan Annual also earned seven awards recently from the Minnesota High School Press Association for its 2010-11 edition, Orono [In] a Word.

The publication was honored in the following categories:

"Yearbook Theme/Concept Package" — first place, Anna Eskola
"Academic/Clubs Copy" — second place, Maggie Ellis
"Theme Copy" — second and third places, Jenna Cossette
"Sports Copy" — second place, Jenna Cossette
"Spread Design" — third place, Sam Hartmann
"Academic/Clubs Copy" — honorable mention, Jesus Reyes

Orono High School English teacher Sarah Cole is the yearbook advisor.