The San Francisco Peninsula Press Club held its high school journalism boot camp and its high school journalism awards on Saturday, May 13, at City College in San Francisco. Here’s a list of the winners:

First, “Women’s March supporters lack clear direction,” by Avery Adams from Carlmont High School

Second, “Normalizing hatred leads to daunting consequences,” by Nina Heller from Carlmont High School

Third, “Beware the invasion of fake news,” by Rayshaun Jordan from Eastside College Prep

First, “Taking a knee in high school sports,” by Editorial Staff, from Notre Dame High School, Judges’ Comment: The Catalyst Editorial, “Taking a knee in high school sports” delves into the controversial action of Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand during the National Anthem. By interviewing students across multiple sports, the Catalyst Staff brings a wider element into the story. Interviews with student athletes, both male and female, add power to the article by showing mixed opinions toward Kaepernick’s action. This well written editorial leaves the reader with a balanced look at the effects of Kaepernick’s choice and ends with a thought provoking invitation to look beyond “taking a knee” to examine the passion and motivation behind the act. Kudos to the Editorial Staff of the Catalyst for an excellent article! 

Second, “A time and a place for ‘safe spaces’,” by Editorial Staff from Eastside College Prep

Third “Fake news comes with real dangers in today’s world,” by Editorial Staff from Aragon High School

First, “Depression In Teen,” by Kinsey Cook from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: The simplicity of this image has a powerful emotional impact. This photograph captures such a personal, private moment without being intrusive. The focus on the human condition is reminiscent of the photographs of Andre Kertesz offering a powerful window into the world of another as hidden observer. 

Second, “Free speech and activism at Aragon,” by Isha Patel from Aragon High School. Judges’ Comment: Your use of light and shadow excel in this photo. You found the perfect balance of light and shadow and perspective in the photograph to direct focus to the two main subjects in the foreground while leading the viewer’s eye to the sign and crowd seated below. Composition of this photograph highlights the human with the physical world with which the subjects are engaged. Your use of lighting (especially the refracted lights on the upper left) stunningly accentuate the warm colors throughout. Excellent work! 

Third “Maintaining Family Traditions,” by Sharon Tulman, from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: The simple elegance of this photo tells a haunting story of two separate worlds — the traditional and the modern. The photographer has captured a story within a story with the lighting of the Mennorah by the young boy set against the blurred image of older boy absorbed with his phone is evocative of the passage of time. This image shows two worlds with a subtle statement far more than is obvious at first glance. Well done! 

First, “Women in athletics: The race for equality,” by Claire Mason from Aragon High School. Judges’ Comment: An excellent report overall—very well-written and researched, comprehensive and detailed, and including important historical context.

Second, “Asian culture silences discussion of mental illnesses,” by Catherine Lei from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: A well-done report on a difficult, sensitive subject, supported with important facts and comments.

Third “Belmont works to create a vibrant downtown,” by Sam Hosmer from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: Great, enterprising, local piece that covers significant information impacting a community.

Honorable Mention, “Intersectionality: Bonding by understanding identities,” by Naomi Vanderlip from Aragon High School

Honorable Mention, “Women make strides in technology,” by Kaylee George from Carlmont High School

First, “Cal Riley Dedication,” by Justin Riley, from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: A remarkable tribute to this lovely young man. The well-placed use of quotes really illustrates the wonderful person Calvin must have been. He is loved by his entire community, and these two pages are a beautiful, emotional tribute.

Second, “Fall Social Justice Project,” by Justin Riley, from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: A compelling portrayal of an important subject. Nice to see so many students participating in the war against racism!

Third “Mr. Ferretti Dedication,” by Johnson He, from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: A special, poignant tribute to a man who has obviously dedicated his life to education and his family.

Honorable Mention, “Rallies,” by Mitch Baumann from Serra High School Yearbook

Honorable Mention, “Service & Justice,” by William Healey from Serra High School Yearbook

Second, “The Eagle,” by The Eagle Staff from Washington High School. Judges’ Comment: Excellent use of graphics and color. Careful use of space and easy on the eyes!

Third “The Eastside Panther,” by The Panther Staff from Eastside College Prep. Judges’ Comment: An outstanding looking newspaper. The only thing we wish to see is a pop of color, although that might be due to the cost of printing. Otherwise a professional, interesting and well designed publication. 

First, “Serra Senior Polls,” by Brett Anchartechahar from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: A vibrant portrayal of a school’s graduating seniors! Fun, modern and bursting with energy. 

Second, “In Loving Memory of Calvin Riley,” by Justin Riley from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: A very special, heartwarming tribute to a wonderful young man. Excellent use of color and photography.

Third “History,” by William Healey from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: An interesting spread! We particularly liked the Q&A section. 

Honorable Mention, “Traveling Padres,” by Matthew Sim from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: What a fun page! Interesting destinations, too.

Honorable Mention, “Varsity Baseball,” by Justin Riley from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges Comment: A very well laid out sports page.

Judges’ comment: It is not easy judging 34 entries! Some fine submissions. We appreciate seeing the photos in the context of the stories they represent. Thank you for those of you so doing. While judging will always be somewhat subjective, we tried to follow the guidelines given: Competition Note: Definition: A photo of a newsworthy event or activity over which the photographer had little or no control of setting, lighting, or photographic opportunity. … Judging: Spot news value will be judged, as well as visual impact, story-telling ability, content/composition and technical quality. Color photos may be entered, but color WILL NOT be a factor in judging. 

First, “Protestors gather in front of the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice with signs and body paint protesting Judge A. Persky,” by Jenna Marvet from Henry M. Gunn High School. Judges’ Comment: Not staged, natural and totally representing the nature of the story associated with it. Well done.

Second, “Blood drive: Junior Imani Rhodes donates her blood through Stanford’s annual blood drive,” by Aaron Muniz from Eastside College Prep. Judges’ Comment: A picture is worth a 1,000 words as they say – and this photo goes to the heart of the story.

Third “Frosh Olympics results still under review,” by Stephen Aguirre from Archbishop Riordan High School. Judges’ Comment: This could easily have been a Sports photo entry. But we went with it because of the content of the story so associated with it. Another reason to have photos with their stories! Great action shot! 

Judges’ comments: These entries demonstrate a great effort to produce relevant news coverage for students. We especially appreciate seeing use of local and campus sources. Taking off-campus and broader issues, such as immigration and housing, and “localizing” them from the students’ points of view also can be effective in developing effective coverage. Well done.

First, “AB 165: State Assembly bill proposes warrantless searches of students,” by Evalyn Li, Andrew Zhao from Henry M. Gunn High School. Judges’ Comment: Legal efforts to remove student privacy on electronics

Second, “San Mateo County files brief to protect immigrants’ rights,” by Alexander Derhacobian from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: San Mateo County files brief to protect immigrants’ rights. Topic of interest to students.

Third “The savior of the U.S. doesn’t want the job: Millennials resist running for office,” by Hanalei Pham from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: Campus reaction to study that suggests many millennials do not want to participate in government

Honorable Mention, “The blazing question: Marijuana Legalization?” by Gabriel Lukaszewicz, Katie Savage from Aragon High School

Honorable Mention, “Students join the fight for gender equality,” by Izzy Bruguera from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “State lawmakers tackle teacher shortage,” by Alexander Derhacobian from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “Jewish Cub plans to bring awareness of religion,” by Madison Wong from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “Bay Area housing market skyrockets,” by Hanalei Pham from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “An American dream deferred,” by Julia-Rose Kibben from Convent of the Sacred Heart

Judges’ comment: Thanks for all the submissions. Some really good entries. We like to see the photo with the story for context. Although judging with always be somewhat subjective, we have tried to remain true to the following guidelines: Judging: Criteria are capturing the peak of action, spot-news value, visual impact, story-telling ability, content, composition and technical quality.

First, “”Jump”,” by David Hickey from Palo Alto High School. Judges’ Comment: What a great shot! Captures the peak of action, visual impact — well everything! Good job. 

Second, “Dons prevent late comeback effort, take down Bearcats,” by Kamille Suayan from Aragon High School. Judges’ Comment: Very close to First Place. Almost a coin toss. This is a classic sports shot. Good future in photo journalism. 

Third “Baseball,” by Max Wang, from Henry M. Gunn High School. Judges’ Comment: Love this shot. Taken at just the right moment. Notice the one swimmer at start of splash. Again, meeting all the judging criteria. 

Second, “Refuse to Lose,” by Jacky Moore, from Palo Alto High School

Third, “JV boys soccer defeated by Aragon Dons,” by Adrian Cunningham, from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “Girls basketball team falls to Leigh in CCS semifinals,” by Zack Cherkas, from Aragon High School

Honorable Mention, “Varsity Soccer Regains first place in their division,” by Lizzy Hall, from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “Varsity improves constancy against Panthers,” by Mackenzie O’Connell, from Carlmont High School

Honorable Mention, “Back to back,” by Andrea Barajas, Viridiana Villagomez From Eastside College Prep

Honorable Mention, “Boys’ swimming breaks Bellarmine streak for first CCS championship,” by Matthew Hamilton, Lena Ye From Henry M. Gunn High School

Honorable Mention, “Wrestling Secures WCAL Crown,” by Matthew Sim, from Serra High School

First, “JV Wrestling,” by Matthew Sim from Serra High School Yearbook

Second, “Varsity Cross Country,” by Matthew Sim from Serra High School Yearbook

Third “Varsity Water Polo,” by Brett Anchartechahar from Serra High School Yearbook

First, “Scot Scoop News,” by Scott Scoop Staff from Carlmont High School. Judges’ Comment: A snapshot of a vibrant community! Everything a student could need at his/her fingertips.

Second, “The Aragon Outlook Website,” by Aragon Outlook Staff from Aragon High School. Judges’ Comment: Excellent portrayal of school communities for the Aragon Outlook and the Gunn Oracle, our second place winners. Both are vibrant and the students have an excellent grasp of graphics and placement of text.

Second, “Gunn Oracle website,” by The Oracle Staff from Henry M. Gunn High School

Third “The Broadview website,” by The Broadview Staff from Convent of the Sacred Heart. Judges’ Comment: Contemporary and well thought-out. Easy to read, interesting content. Well done!

Honorable Mention, “The Bearcat,” by The Bearcat Staff from San Mateo High School

First, “The Aragon Outlook Website,” by Avichal Goel, from Aragon High School, Judges’ Comment: Bold, vibrant colors draw the viewer in. Wonderful organization and layout.

Second, “C Magazine,” by Nicole Li, from Palo Alto High School, Judges’ Comment: What an innovative magazine — hard to believe these are high school students! Just beautiful.

Third, “Scot Scoop News,” by Nathan Godwin, Hanalei Pham, Brooke Chang, Megan Tao, Celine Yang From Carlmont High School, Judges’ Comment: Innovative, easy to read, modern and fresh. Excellent work!

First, “Serra High School Yearbook 2016-2017: “Sealed In Gold”,” by El Padre Staff from Serra High School Yearbook. Judges’ Comment: Classic traditional Yearbook design. Easy to read. Good photos and writing. Well done!

Second, “Y(our) Identity,” by Angela Reinhardt-Mullins, Kevin Han, Alyssa Monstarrat from Mills High School. Judges’ Comment: Interesting design and layout. Those responsible for photos did a good job. Modern look. Would have liked to see student class pics to see how they were presented. 

Judges’ comments: All of these newspapers are cutting-edge, vibrant, informative publications. They are incredible examples of what a high school newspaper should be. From the depth of the articles to the amazing graphics and design elements, these newspapers are simply outstanding. Congratulations to these students, who exceeded our expectations with their exceptional publications. 

First, “The Oracle,” by The Oracle Staff from Henry M. Gunn High School

Second, “The Highlander,” by The Highlander Staff from Carlmont High School

Third “The Aragon Outlook,” by The Outlook Staff from Aragon High School

Honorable Mention, “The Eastside Panther,” by The Panther Staff from Eastside College Prep

Honorable Mention, “The Eagle,” by The Eagle Staff from Washington High School