CENTRAL JOURNALISM STUDENTS WIN AWARDS

About 265 journalism students from 18 area schools attended Thursday's Southeast Missouri Scholastic Press Association meeting, held at Southeast Missouri State University.

The workshop gave students a chance to compete in three areas, writing, photography and current events.

Marty McCormack of Cape Girardeau Central High won first place in the write-off contest. She won over 16 other writers. The second place trophy went to Kelly Gibbons of Kennett and an honorable mention went to Todd DeJournett of Advance.

Kim Robinson of Cape Girardeau Central High School won first place in sports photography and Ashley Ohmes of Charleston won first place in non-sports photography.

Paul Hill of New Madrid Central won the current events contest, answering 47 of 55 questions correctly.

The keynote speaker for the workshop was Homer Hall, a state and national Journalism Teacher of the Year and a Missouri Teacher of the Year from Kirkwood.

Representatives from publishing companies Walsworth, Jostens, Herff-Jones and Taylor conducted sessions for yearbook students. Professional journalists and university professors spoke on a variety of newspaper topics.