Sevier Middle School Student Journalists Win International Awards

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Honoring the world's best, Youth Journalism International (YJI) has named student journalists from John Sevier Middle School's student newspaper, The Sequoyah Scribe, international awardees. These prestigious awards from YJI are based on submissions from numerous countries across the world.

Now in its 11th year, YJI's annual international media contest recognizes student writing and reporting, art, photography, and multimedia skills in news, sports, opinion, and other categories published or broadcast in 2019 by student journalists, ages 19 years or younger. A panel of experienced judges evaluate the entries, which came from high schools and individuals from around the world who write for school papers, blogs, or other media.

"We are so proud of the students!" said Dr. Holly Flora, Sevier Middle School Principal. "The Sequoyah Scribe continues to receive national recognition among high school competitors. Sequoyah Scribe sponsor, David Flanary, and his students pour countless and dedicated hours into a thoughtful and quality publication that continues to make our Warrior family proud."

Student journalists from Sevier Middle School captured eight awards. Awards won by The Sequoyah Scribe include:

Ella Miller - "Jacinta Marie Bunnell Award for Commentary" - Finalist for "A wall on the southern border is the wrong policy."
Ella Miller - "Feature Writing, Individual Reporting" - 1st Place for "Music parodies of historical events help students learn the importance of history."
Chloe McConnell - "Feature Writing" - Honorable Mention for "World Health Organization declares gaming addiction a health disorder."
Aubree Pucket - "News Story, Individual Reporting" - 1st Place for "KCS discovers lead in water fountains."
Gracie Flanary - "Photography, Photo Illustration" - 1st Place for "New books?"
ShayLeigh Honaker - "Photography, Photo Illustration" - 2nd Place for "Raining money."
Micah Maynard - "Profile" - 1st Place for "Student looks back on brush with plague."
Camille Carter - "Sports Opinion" - 1st Place for "School spirit is about more than just making noise."

"After winning state honors from the Tennessee High School Press Association, as well as the "Pacemaker" award from the National Scholastic Press Association this school year, these awards clearly show that Sevier's student journalists are creating a high-quality newspaper," said David Flanary, The Sequoyah Scribe Advisor and Social Studies teacher. "I am incredibly proud of each student involved with The Sequoyah Scribe. From the border wall to video game addiction, they have taken on the challenge to seek the truth and report it."

Youth Journalism International (YJI) has been educating the next generation of news professionals and talented teens since 1984. Formally incorporated in 2007, it is a 501 (c)(3) educational non-profit public charity. For more information about YJI, visit youthjournalism.org.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,600 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.

For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District), Instagram (@kcs_district), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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