Herman Horkey, Lakeview High win top honors at YSU’s Press Day

Staff report

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Lakeview High School was awarded the best all-around newspaper at the annual Press Day competition at Youngstown State University.

Mineral Ridge High School received the second-place distinction and was also awarded the most-improved publication for its use of technology to deliver news and information.

More than 300 students from 14 area schools entered the competition, which also included individual awards for numerous other categories ranging from news writing to poetry.

Herman Horkey, a senior at Hubbard High School, received the award for the most valuable staff member and Jennifer Hunter, adviser of the Perry High School Privateer, was recognized as adviser of the year.

“We have incredibly talented high school students and teachers in our region and this year’s Press Day competition included some great work,” said Alyssa Lenhoff, journalism director at YSU and director of Press Day.

Lenhoff said she was impressed with nearly all of the work and especially encouraged to see some schools tackling important community issues, including the Mineral Ridge High School newspaper’s examination of downtown Youngstown.

The students, who spent several days in Youngstown, said they discovered that there is far more to Youngstown than the many negative stereotypes that often are assigned to it.

They said they found a city that is vibrant and fun and were pleased to be able to report a positive story about the city.

Other schools to receive special honors were the Bloomfield High School Chirpin’ Cardinal, third place for all-around newspaper; and The Austintown Fitch High School Talon, honorable mention for all-around newspaper.