Joplin students shine in TV competition

The spotlight was on young journalists, of both the broadcast and print variety during the annual Southern Media Showcase today.
Joplin High School's TV production students, under the tutelage of Bruce VonderHaar, captured first and third place in the news story category, honors which have been traditionally claimed by Springfield Hillcrest.
Chris Warner took first place in that category, with Nathan Ward and Caden Worley teaming for third.
Joplin winners in other categories included:
Music Video- 1. Brennan Mock, honorable mention Erica Miranda
Animation- 2. Art Mejia
Instructional- 2. Blake Farmer
Comedy/Drama- Honorable Mention Nathan Ward, honorable mention Blake Farmer and Shawn Hale.
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I had the privilege of speaking to high school newspaper reporters from Joplin, Republic and Southeast high schools and critiquing the Joplin and Republic newspapers, as well as newspapers submitted by Carl Junction and McAuley. I had a great time looking over the publications and talking with these young people, some of whom will hopefully go on to great things in journalism in the future.
Before critiquing the newspapers, I gave a half-hour talk on the subject "Are Blogs Journalism?"
Naturally, I believe that they are. Even the ones which are strictly commentary are presenting a form of journalism. Blogs do not provide a threat to mainstream media; they simply offer choices to discerning readers. They also provide a much-needed prod to the traditional media.
I encouraged the students to blog; primarily because of my firm belief that everyday writing sharpens the mind and helps young people to build their writing skills.
A big thanks to the Chad Stebbins, J. R. Ledford, and the others involved in the Southern Media Showcase for inviting me to return to my alma mater this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it.