Newspaper contest showcases students’ best work

Annually, United Students participate in the Newspapers In Education (NIE) Contest through the direction of teachers, Ms. Vicki Stelma and Mr. John Dunn. Stories were judged by editorial staff members of the Indiana Gazette and the Blairsville Dispatch. This year, four of those students, placed in their respective grade categories.

Addison Rosko, a seventh grade student, placed third in the Opinion Column category. Rosko’s column addressed the dangers of smoking and proposed a ban on the habit in order to mitigate social, health and environmental risk factors. The other junior high student to place in the competition was seventh grader Ray Gapshes, who received the first place prize for his division in the Best Feature Story contest. Writing on the topic, “How can we build unity in our nation?” Gapshes discussed the impacts that young people can have on unifying the nation. Focusing on supporting elected officials, being helpful, and kindness, he explained that all Americans, no matter their age, can have a positive impact on the unity of our nation.

Two 10th grade students also placed in the Feature Story category. Bridger Blankenbicker brought home a second place win in his article about the topic of unity. Blankenbicker described the impact of respect, trust and integrity throughout his article stating that, “Once we get those basics, down, we can start rebuilding our nation.” A third place win was awarded to Zoe Mack who wrote on the same topic. Mack’s article described the importance of sorting out the root issues of division. She even interviewed community members, Michael Kovalcik and Tom Mack for her feature story bringing a distinctly United feel to a feature about unity.

Two sixth grade students have also been recognized as Newspaper in Education contest winners in the Design-an-Ad competition. To fulfill the contest requirements, these two students created an advertisement for local business owners. Bo Bartlebaugh received first place in the sixth grade group by designing an ad for Pudliner’s Country Corner and John St. Clair received second place in the sixth grade group by designing an ad for HobbySpeed.com.