School newspaper awards open world of ideas

Student journalists from across Queensland have taken their first step into the wider media world by being honoured at the School Newspaper Awards 2007.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the students produced an extremely high standard of newspapers, newsletters and magazines.

“These awards recognise achievements in a field that could some day take these students’ talents around the world – through a career in the media,” Mr Welford said.

“For seven years, the School Newspaper Awards have given us a great insight into the wonderful work being done in Queensland schools.

“They generate ongoing benefits by encouraging skills in literacy, art and technology that will help send these young people into the world with the confidence to communicate their ideas, which is vital to their success in any career path.

“Congratulations to these very talented students and their teachers.”

Member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace, represented Mr Welford at the presentation ceremony at Queensland Newspapers where she helped The Courier-Mail editor David Fagan present the students with their awards.

“The standard of the work submitted by the award winners was incredible,” Ms Grace said. “These students certainly have a bright future, no matter what career they might choose.”

Best student newspapers (two or more issues a year) awards of $500 went to Carina State School for the Carina Mail and All Saints Anglican School for the Courtyard Courier.

The Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre – who won best student newspaper (two issues or more a year) last year – received a special award and $500 for the Ekka Courier.

Beechmont State School won the $500 best single-issue primary school newspaper award and Coombabah State High School won the $500 best single-issue secondary school newspaper award.

Ten student reporters and 12 student photographers were honoured with individual awards of $50 each.

The awards were open to all students in Queensland state and non-state schools.

A full list of winners follows.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

School Newspaper Awards 2007 recipients

Best Student Newspaper (two or more issues per year) - $500
Primary School Carina Mail – Carina State School
Secondary School Courtyard Courier – All Saints Anglican School
Special Award Ekka Courier – Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre

Best Student Newspaper (one issue per year) - $500
Primary School The Beechmont Kids Courier – Beechmont State School
Secondary School Coombabah Courier – Coombabah State High School

Star Student Reporter - $50
Primary School
Toby Jukes – Ashgrove State School
Rhys McCorkell – Capella State School
Tess Hill – Beechmont State School
Tayla Graham – Beechmont State School
Stephanie Lucht – Texas State School

Secondary School
Hannah Pembroke – Maroochydore State High School
Ben Irving – Coombabah State High School
Zoe Oliver – Benowa State High School
Rebekah Henderson – Coombabah State High School
Mark Pennini – Maroochydore State High School

Star Student Photographer - $50
Primary School
Skyla Stockwell – Noosaville State School
Marcus Hall – Petrie State School
Janik Russell – Noosaville State School
Romy-Jean Domburg – Noosaville State School

Secondary School
James Scown – Coombabah State High School
Samantha Chase – Coombabah State High School
Caitlin Summers – Coombabah State High School
David Cartier – St Laurence’s College

Star Student Photographer (Digitally enhanced) - $50
Primary School
Janik Russell – Noosaville State School

Secondary School
David Green – Maroochydore State High School
Lauren Blackwell – Benowa State High School
William Chan – Brisbane Boys’ College