SCHULTZ SCHOOL'S PAW WINS AWARDS

The staff of Louis J. Schultz School's Paw newspaper received honors in every category it entered in the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association's contest.

In overall judging, The Paw was named an "All-Missouri" newspaper -- one of 15 in the state to be recognized with the MIPA's top distinction. St. Louis' Rockwood RAM-page was the only other junior high/middle school paper to receive the honor.

The winners of the 1999-2000 competition were announced in ceremonies at the University of Missouri at Columbia's School of Journalism April 26.

Candace Perkins-Bowen of Kent, Ohio, judged the overall competition. She commented in the Paw's score book: "You don't have to apologize for being all seventh grade. Your reporting, finding stories that matter ... and your use of knowledgeable sources is above that in most high school papers."

The judge praised the writing staffs' use of interesting lead-in paragraphs, quotes and general storytelling ability, describing it as "solid and professional."

In individual competition, Paw reporters and photographers received 20 state awards, including four of the prestigious Show-Me awards which are given for special distinction in each category.

Paw staff members also received 17 Superior Awards, which replaced the first-place rating of previous years.

Teacher Pat Heckert has served as adviser since the Paw began publication 15 years ago. The newspaper was begun by the Southeast Missourian, the school's Adopt-A-School partner, in 1985.

Paw's MIPA awards

MIPA Overall Newspaper: The Paw, Louis J. Shultz School

MIPA Show-Me Awards: Lucy Gong, editorial; Tyrone Reece, sports writing; Olivia Swingle, feature story; Olivia Swingle, front page design.

MIPA Superior Awards: Katie Belcher, news story; Katie Belcher, in-depth article/series; Katie Belcher, in-depth article/series; Kari Bragg, center page spread design; Emily Hendricks, in-depth article/series; Karina Klonoski, in-depth article/series; Karina Klonoski, center page spread design; Karina Klonoski, feature story; Drew Lincoln, in-depth article/series; Amanda Lockhart, photojournalism-personality; Margot McAllister, regular column; Jennifer Pancoast, center page spread design; Sarah Polen, center page spread design; Lindsey Smith, center page spread design; Justin Stone, in-depth article/series; Olivia Swingle, in-depth article/series.