Three BluePrint writers will vie to become state champions at Penn State University this spring.
Last week, seniors Abigail Eckenrod, Jordan Hescox, and Chloe Brown all learned they had advanced to the PSPA (Pennsylvania school press association) state championship. They will compete at University Park on April 3.
The three writers made it in three different categories: Sportswriting, Jordan Hescox, Blogging, Chloe Brown, and Feature Writing, Abigail Eckenrod.
The writers qualified by competing at the PSPA regional contest at Juniata College in November. They were given a prompt, and 45 minutes to write a full-length story using information provided at the contest.
“I’m really proud of them. They’re all first-year BluePrint writers, but they’ve become senior leaders.” said BluePrint advisor Mr. Naylor.
Mr. Naylor said the PSPA contest is tough in it’s own way because you have to be competitive, quick, and know how to write under pressure.
This event is a pretty big deal for the BluePrint writers. Last year, current editor Olivia Hess won the regional competition before placing third in the state as a news writer at the contest in State College.
“I’m super excited! Writing is just a deep passion of mine, so it’s such an honor to be able to compete in this competition.” said Hescox.
This event will be filled with many other determined and committed writers and photographers from across the state who are excited to compete.
“I am excited for this opportunity,” Brown said. “It will be cool to compete against people who have the same interests in writing as me.”
Mr. Naylor said the students’ success kicks off a busy time of the year for BluePrint writers where competition is concerned.
“The second semester is a great time of the year because we get our writers into so many contests, and each one is unique and challenging,” he said. “The PSPA contest is amazing because it’s the most like real journalism, where you’ve got information and a deadline, and under the gun you’ve got to come up with a story that is meaningful. That’s what makes what our students did so special.”
