Two Bayshore High School students have been recognized for work they submitted for the inaugural Report For America (RFA) Student Journalism Awards.
Meah Hird, a senior at Bayshore High School, recently earned an award for student journalism. Photo provided.
Senior Meah Hird and 10th grade student, Autumn Faasse, placed third and second, respectively, in the category for "Best Editorial".
Autumn Faasse, a 10th grade student at Bayshore High School, recently earned a second place award from Report for America. Photo provided.
Report for America is a national service program that places journalists in newsrooms across the nation to focus on under-reported issues and communities.
As part of the program, corps members partner with local youth organizations, schools, and clubs to promote media literacy and interest in journalism in the next generation of journalists.
The RFA Student Journalism Awards recognize and celebrate the work of young people who work with corps members during service projects.
RFA corps member and Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporter Gabriela Szymanowska began partnering with Bayshore High School’s journalism program in the spring of 2023.
Szymanowska reports on the courts, legal issues and the criminal justice system.
The awards were divided into eight different categories, including: Best News Story, Best Feature Story, Best Profile, Best Enterprise Story, Best Editorial/Opinion Story, Best Audio Story, Best Photo and Best Video.
Both Meah Hird and Autumn Faasse entered several articles they produced during the last year, which were printed in Bayshore High's student newspaper.
The Pawprint, which has been produced off-and-on since the late 1970s, is distributed throughout the school.
The paper began printing again in 2021 under the leadership of teacher and former journalist, Jean Faulk, producing on average four editions per school year.
“It’s an honor to have an article of my work recognized for the hard work that went into it," said Meah Hird. "It’s very rewarding and makes me immensely proud.”
After Meah graduates in May, she plans to attend Sante Fe College in Gainesville and transfer to the University of Florida College of Communications and Journalism.
“I’m so glad to know that other people enjoy my writing. I’ve always loved sharing stories, and I’m proud to know that one of my passions can go into changing lives,” Autumn Faasse said.
The Bruins' work was celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony attended by RFA corps members and the young people they work with.
Congratulations!