Yearbooks, newspapers, and magazines capture the heart and spirit of their schools and are prized keepsakes at year-end. Their importance grows when they have garnered awards for their schools and the journalists, authors, and graphic designers whose passion for creativity is unrelenting—and who learn important skills along the way.

 

PWCS students earned 15 awards in this year’s Virginia High School League (VHSL)  publication championship for their outstanding work—including two Trophy Class awards, the highest attainable in this contest.

 

Osbourn Park High School garnered top honors in the Newspaper Division. Trophy Class was awarded to “The Yellow Jacket” staff and advisor Jason Shaw. Brentsville District High School’s newspaper, “The Roar” with Emily Pincek serving as advisor, and Patriot High School’s “The Charge” with advisor Jeff Read, captured first place honors. Woodbridge High School’s “The Valkyrie,” with advisor Melissa Williams, earned second place.

 

Osbourn Park High School received a second Trophy class award for its yearbook the “Hi-Jacket.” Beth Skaggs is the staff advisor. Woodbridge High School yearbook “Valhalla” with advisor Kait LaPlant received a first place ranking while Gar-Field, Battlefield, and Brentsville District High Schools brought home second-place awards. Gar-Field’s yearbook “Indian Echoes” advisor is Celeste Jacques; Battlefield’s “Lynx” advisor is Charlotte Peyton, and by Brentsville District’s “The Flash” is lead by Marie Holland.

 

In the Magazine Division, PWCS earned six awards. Forest Park High School’s magazine “Ursa Major” led by Laura Dowling and Woodbridge High School’s magazine “Eddas,” with Cathy Hailey as advisor, each received first place. Second place honors were earned by Battlefield High School’s “The Troubadour” with advisor Andra Morton; by Brentsville District High School with Elizabeth Blair-Nussbaum serving as the “Rhapsody” advisor; by Gar-Field High School’s “The Shamen” led by Lori Colasuonno; and by Osbourn Park High School, Carla Drew, advisor for “Links.”

 

The VHSL rates student-produced publications based on critiques of students’ work. Newspapers, magazines, and yearbooks are evaluated and the very best earn Trophy class, first, second, or third place awards.