Six broadcast journalism students from Johnston Middle School competed in the National High School Journalism Competition and won 2 Superior Ratings -GOLD- for the second year in a row.

By: Mia De La Fuente and Khaniya Russell

With only two months into the school year, Mrs. Arlt and her broadcast journalism students already had some serious work ahead of them. Jada Taylor, Gabriela Paczkowska, Hannah Kay, Tiye Mckethen, Steffannie Alter and Mia De LA Fuente, were working on entries for the National Journalism Competition ( Junior High).

From the beginning, these hardworking students developed, edited and scripted their own stories on a very short deadline with the supervision and support of Ms. Arlt.

"It was extremely frustrating during the process. We constantly edited and re-edited and kept taping over and over again as we wanted a perfect entry," exclaimed Steffannie Alter.

Nevertheless, these six outstanding broadcast journalism students brought home gold and have not only made their teacher proud but their school as well.

"It was emotional for me when I found out that I had won because I initially did not believe in myself. I never thought that Ms. Arlt would choose me, but she believed in me and now I am an extremely proud Greyhound," proclaimed Jada Taylor.

Jada Taylor, Gabriela Paczkowska and Hannah Kay produced a news story about President Obama's plan to make the school year longer. The remaining two members of the team worked on producing a story on the 44th President's first address to the students of America and how the community responded to his decision to speak to the younger members of the country.

"At first I was extremely uncomfortable at the thought of competing nationally. As a second year broadcast student with almost no editing or taping experience, I knew this was going to be a challenge," said Gabriela Paczkowska. The girls put in their best effort and stayed many hours after school and even opted to skip lunch to produce the winning entry.

Mia De La Fuente earned honorable mention (bronze award) for her feature story on unity in America.

The Greyhounds were the only middle school to win 2 superior ratings in the broadcast category. The joy of winning was not only seen in the eyes of the students but also their teacher's. "Winning a national competition, two years in a row, is the ultimate reward for the many hours of work that these girls put in," exclaimed Mrs. Arlt proudly.