Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Four students from House Municipal Schools placed in the top three at the New Mexico Scholastic Press Association’s recent state contest.
House students earned three second-place finishes and a third-place finish in individual contests at the Jan. 22 competition, which was held online due to concerns about COVID-19.
Awards were announced Saturday.
Senior Gilbert Swaim finished second in news photography, while sophomore Christian Chavez was runner-up in feature photography.
Swaim has participated in the state competition in the past, earning awards for sportswriting and editorial writing, but it was his first time competing in photography.
“It wasn’t too hard, and I’m pretty happy to place so highly amongst others,” Swaim said.
Eighth-grader Maddie Kenyon, who was one of the youngest competitors at state, took second place in news writing.
“Once I found out that I placed, I was really surprised and excited,” said Kenyon, who was out of town for another school activity the day awards were announced. “With all that was going on the day of awards, it was really exciting to know that I did that well.”
Chavez said he was “a little surprised” to place as high as he did, given the number of competitors in feature photography.
“There were a lot of people there. A lot of people participating,” he said. “I thought I had a decent shot.”
Gavin Tompkins, a sophomore, finished third in editorial writing
This year marked Tompkins’ first experience with the journalism competition.
“I wasn’t expecting to get into the top three, so it was a pleasant surprise to see that I somehow did,” he said.
Superintendent Bonnie Lightfoot praised the students’ achievements.
“The House Schools journalism students should be very proud of their accomplishments in the state competition,” she said. “Taking photos, writing, and editing are imperative skills for success in academics and life. I am very proud of the work the journalism teacher and students do. I would not be surprised if some of these students become journalists as a career.”
The state contest is not divided into classes, so House students had to compete against much larger schools, House journalism teacher Emily Priddy said.
“My kids held their own against schools that have more students in their journalism program than we have in our entire district,” she said. “To do that well in that many categories is just incredible. I’m really proud of them.”
Freshman Sam Swaim and sophomore Hannah Lavender also participated in the competition.
All contestants will receive feedback from the judges, Priddy said.
“That’s really why we do this,” she said. “We love the recognition, but the big prize is getting a chance to have your work evaluated by a professional so you can take that critique and build from it.”