Missourian Jr. wins first place for content

The Southeast Missourian's publication for children won first place from the Newspaper Association of America Foundation for general excellence in youth content for the second consecutive year.

The Southeast Missourian Jr. competed against newspapers with circulation up to 60,000.

"I think it is awesome," said Cheryl Ellis, who edits and coordinates the publication.

Ellis said the publication is successful because children contribute most of the content. "It's pretty much written by kids or drawn by kids," she said.

In addition, she said, the Southeast Missourian Jr. is one of the few children's publications that include articles or drawings from elementary school students.

The award was announced at the foundation's Younger Reader Conference in St. Louis on Tuesday.

"At this critical time in history, it is vital that the newspaper industry reach young readers in many different ways," said Margaret Vassilikos, senior vice president and treasurer of the NAA Foundation.

Vassilikos said recent research shows that youth publications can encourage future readers, helping them have a better understanding of the First Amendment and be "civically engaged."

The foundation supports programs designed to enhance student achievement through newspaper readership.