NHS Students Win

Honors In Journalism Contest

By Larissa Lytwyn

Sarah Hemingway is no stranger to news writing.

Since entering Newtown High School three years ago, Sarah has steadily climbed the ranks of Newtown High School’s newspaper, The Hawkeye, to reach the top next fall as editor-in-chief.

Sarah, currently The Hawkeye’s news editor, Features Editor Lauren Hemingway and Sports Editor Geoff Brault recently won third place in feature and sports column writing at the 2004 Hartford Courant High School Journalism Contest.

“Newtown High School has won in past years,” said Sarah. “We entered our favorite pieces from The Hawkeye just in time this year!”

“We didn’t really think much about [the contest] after that,” said Lauren. “We never really considered if we would win or not. It was just, like, ‘Go for it!’”

The students went for it — and after being informed of their achievement less than two weeks ago, were honored at a special luncheon at the Courant offices on May 19.

“It was pretty cool getting to meet with students from other schools,” said Sarah. “Plus, one of the judges sat at each school’s table. It was fun!”

Sarah and Lauren co-wrote a feature piece on civil rights figure Ruby Bridges, who was first black child to enter a nonsegregated school after decades of strict segregation.

During her visit to Newtown High School earlier this year, Ms Bridges discussed the progress of her life since that historic moment, sharing insights into race relations and other social issues with students.

“We covered her presentation and then went up to talk to her afterward,” said Sarah. “A lot of students did.”

Sarah and Lauren described Ms Bridges as “open.”

Geoff wrote a “satiric” expose on men showing far more emotion during sports events than outside of them.

“I didn’t really think of a particular sport,” he said. “But the overall sports culture in general.”

While all three students are not sure if they would like to pursue journalism as a career, each expressed interest in being on their college newspaper.

“There’s no doubt that I would like to write for my university newspaper,” said Sarah. “Being on The Hawkeye has been a great experience, and I don’t doubt [that working at a college newspaper] would be, too.”

Courant news and editorial employees Paul Rosano, Bob Englehart, Stephen Busemeyer, Roger Caitlin, Peter Pach, John Scanlan, Rick Shaw, Susan Campbell, George Gombossy and Hugh Owens judged the pieces.

In addition to features and sports writing, entries could be made in photography, critical reviews, editorial writing and cartoons, page design and overall best newspaper.

For more information on the annual contest, visit the Hartford Courant website at www.ctnow.com.