The West Delaware Journalism staff was recently recognized for 16 entries in the 2022 – 2023 IHSPA Spring Journalism Contest. Published work from March 2022 to March 2023 was considered for this contest; there were over 1,300 entries. 

Two students earned first-place awards. Erin Mullen earned first-place for her infographic titled “How to Stay Warm During Winter,” and Keevan Hauschild earned first for his sports story “Turning Confidence into Comfort.”

Three students earned second-place awards. Susie Funke earned second-place for her infographic titled “Mental Health at Home Resources,” and Erin Mullen earned second with her news story titled “Adjusting to Adversity.” Zach O’Rear brought home two second-place awards for his in-depth sports story titled “Focus on the Field” and for a news photo.

Three students earned third-place awards: Keevan Hauschild’s in-depth News Story “The Power of Protein Shakes,” Alexa Harbach’s sports story titled “The Perfect Ending to Four State Titles,” and Zach O’Rear’s personality profile titled “The Man Behind the Lens.”

Additionally, the staff won six honorable mentions. Addison Burger won two awards: an infographic of “What’s Your Favorite Style of Jeans?” and a sports story titled “Making History.” Abigail Kass won two awards with her in-depth story, “Lack of Associates.” Finally, Alexa Harbach received one award for her personality profile titled “Shredding Through Summer,” and Susan Funke for her health story titled “Creatively Crushing the Stigma.”

To wrap up this year’s awards, the Inklings staff was placed in the top five for the Top 15 IHSPA All-Iowa News Teams Finalists for 2023.