By Lauren Smith
The members of The Roar news staff earned recognition for their efforts in Journalism yesterday at the Las Vegas Review-Journal High School Journalism Awards. The local paper hosted the event at the Suncoast Hotel in Summerlin.
The news staff won the award for Best News Website placing first out of all the other high school news websites in Southern Nevada. The staff received a large plaque to be displayed in the publications room and two smaller plaques for the co-editors-in-chief of The Roar: seniors Ryann Heinlen and Kacie Leach.
The judges’ comments stated, “For publishing during off hours, working towards editorial independence, and good use of tools like story counts, staff bios, social media, illustrations, and design.”
“I am just so proud of my newsteam. They work after school and weekends writing, photographing and editing to keep the site interesting and up to date,” Nancy Thompson, adviser, said.
The news website staff also took first place for Best Sports Photo by opinion and entertainment editor Karen Pegueros, sophomore, for her basketball picture. She also received a plaque for her achievement.
“I was so surprised that I won. I didn’t even know what picture of mine was submitted, so when I heard them call my name, I was in complete shock. It felt surreal,” Pegueros said.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal also honors The Most Valuable Staff Member from each school. This year, Heinlen was selected for this honor. Her name was added to a plaque in the publications room for all to see.
“When I found out I won, I couldn’t stop smiling. It feels so amazing to have such an award and earn first place for the website because it shows that all of the hard work and long nights pay off,” Heinlen said.
The staff also earned two third place awards for Best Information Artwork designed by sports editor Lauren Smith, junior, and Best Humorous Opinion Writing written by Faith Evans, freshman. Rachel Carroll, senior and president of the National Arts Honors Society, received an honorable mention for Best Illustration. Recipients of these awards were granted a certificate displaying their accomplishments.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my staff this year. Winning best news website was a major team effort, and I’m thrilled with this achievement. The staff is filled with amazing reporters and editors, and as a family, we won this award collectively. This was such an amazing year, and I’m proud to end my time on staff with such a great accomplishment,” Leach said.
Historically, The Roar has earned one of the top four spots in the best newspaper or website categories since its inception in 2001. This is the second time The Roar has taken top honors in the best website category having also won first place in 2014. The Roar won first place for best newspaper/standard format in 2012, but discontinued the print version in 2014.
