Waterloo West High’s Ali Parkhurst has been named Iowa’s High School Journalist of the Year. She earns $500 and has the opportunity to represent Iowa in the National Journalist of the Year contest.
Parkhurst serves as the Sports & News Editor for Waterloo West’s student newspaper, Wahawk Insider. She is also the Editor-in-Chief for their yearbook.
The judging committee stated, “Alisyn displays a passion for reporting, editing and leadership that helped her play an instrumental role in reviving high school journalism in her school. Her writing is sharp and entertaining and her devotion to journalism that represents and informs her audience is strong. Her initiative and enthusiasm produce some big shoes to fill when she leaves West.”
Parkhurst help lead Waterloo West’s student newspaper to All News Team of the Year this past fall just one year after it was created. Waterloo West also earned 13 yearbook awards at the Fall Conference. Nicole Goodman advises both publications. Check out Ali’s portfolio here.
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Runner up: Erinn Varga (Iowa City West) The judging committee noted, “Erinn has a tremendous grasp of art and would be an asset for any media organization. This is her strength. Visuals carry her stories. She did a nice job of showing in video what she does.”
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Third place: Jack Andersen (Waukee Northwest) The judging committee commented, “Jack’s visual approach to a news story would be a plus for any media organization. His use of visuals with standalone photography and more impressively in multi-media design make his work stand out at a level beyond high school.”
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Honorable Mention includes Zaira Ahmad (Iowa City West), Zoe Smith (Iowa City West), and Vivian Wu (Ankeny)
