National student winners, their parents and advisers are invited to attend the NFPW High School Awards Luncheon, which will be held in Aug. 26-28, 2010, during the annual NFPW conference in Chicago.  Some affiliates provide financial assistance to students who attend the conference to accept their awards.

•  Entries must be the work of students enrolled in grades 9-12 during the current school year or the last semester of the senior year for students’ work published after the current deadline.

•  Submit two tear sheets (the entire page on which the article or graphic appears) for each entry (including two copies of each of three columns in the personal column category). Note that one of the tear sheets may be a photocopy of the original.

• When entering a photograph that was printed as part of a series, indicate which photo is to be considered.

1.  Editorial – This entry would appear on the editorial page of the paper. It is the voice of the paper. An editorial is not a bylined personal column, but may be a signed on behalf of an editorial board.

2.  Opinion – This is the voice of the writer, not to be confused with an editorial. It can focus on items of personal nature, social issues, or happenings of the world. It can be insightful and/or critical, but not libelous. Judging will evaluate clearness of style, sound reasoning and effort to influence reader’s opinion in what the writer believes is the right direction. An opinion article, the voice of the individual, is always bylined.

3.  News Story – Shows initiative in obtaining a story that presents new information or a different angle on published information or past events. Judging will be based on general organization, writing style, readability and impact.

4.  Feature Story – An in-depth topic of interest to readers. Copy will be judged on unusual aspects of the material or the handling, writing style and richness of detail and use of quotes, readability and thoroughness. The material may be a personality profile or human interest piece.

5.  Sports Story – Imagination and good application of sports-writing style in advance, follow-up, summary or feature coverage of events or sports participants. Avoid play-by-play rehash.

6.  Columns – Submit three entries, two consecutive and any third one. Analytical scrutiny, satire or personal comment on general or special subject that entertains and/or educates. May utilize in-depth knowledge, research, study or expertise.

7.  Feature Photo – Photo must have viewer emotional response, eye-catching subject matter and storytelling qualities. No posed shots. Judging will be based on the photo’s quality as published. Original prints are not required. Submit two copies of published version.

8.  Sports Photo – Photo should be easy to “read” and cropped for impact. It should show the peak of the action; capture an exciting moment or a storytelling facial expression. No posed shots. Judging is based on the quality of the photo as published. Submit two dated copies of the published version.

9.  Cartooning – Copy may be generated by computer graphics or freehand and may be a comic strip or cartoon. Judging will consider the text or caption and the use of concept and artistic style. The subject matter is unrestricted. For example, any political, economic or social issue may be covered or any human relations issue or other topic.

10.  Review – Entry should be of interest to the publication’s readers. Subject may be art or dramatic event or music. Article should include some critical analysis and show writer’s knowledge of the subject. Review should be interesting, creatively written and rich in style.

11.  Graphics – Entry may be created freehand or electronically. Judging will be on creativity, uniqueness, clarity of relationship to article or publications and entry’s visual enhancement of the subject matter. Unsigned work requires adviser’s verification.

12.  Single-Page Layout – Copy may be from a desktop publishing project or from the traditional printing production methods. (A double-truck is not a single page.)  Judges will consider any number of graphic elements, typography, photos, illustrations and color. Judging will be on creative and effective use of elements in drawing reader interest and supporting article (s) content. Unsigned work requires adviser’s verification.

14. Environment – Judging will be based on how the article, layout, graphic or photograph “educates the public about environmental issues or concerns.” This award is given in conjunction with the San Francisco Press Club Environment Award Fund.