The University Interscholastic League announced recently that Gracie Awalt from Fairfield High School has been named to the 2015-2016 All-State Journalism Staff.
“All-State staff members are those individuals who strive and work hard every day to hone their journalistic skill,” said Jeanne Acton, UIL Director of Journalism.
To become a member of the All-State Journalism Staff, students must accumulate points over the year based on their achievements at UIL journalism competition and other writing and publication contests, both statewide and nationwide. Then students apply to UIL to become a member of the staff.
Any student who is involved in scholastic journalism in Texas is eligible for the staff.
“High school journalism students spend many nights and weekends preparing the school publications for distribution, as well as preparing for writing competitions,” Acton said. “These students deserve recognition for their dedication and drive. Journalism teaches the students not only how to write but also how to communicate.”
Texas is one of the fist states to recognize student journalists in this way.
The staff was created by the former UIL journalism director, Randy Vonderheid. “I saw a need to recognize these students for their work and success in writing and presentation, and this should be a successful way,” Vonderheid said.
The University Interscholastic League was created in 1913 and has grown into the largest interschool organization of its kind in the world. The League works to organize and properly supervise contests that assist in preparing students for citizenship. It aims to provide healthy, character building and educational activities carried out under rules providing good sportsmanship and fair play for all participants.
For more information on UIL or its academic activities, contact Jeanne Acton at 512-471-5883.
