Sun Sentinel Honors Young Journalists in South Florida High Schools

Highlighting the future of journalism, the South Florida Sun Sentinel has once again recognized outstanding high school journalists in its annual awards ceremony. This year, students from 15 schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties showcased their talents with work published during the 2024-25 school year.

News Writing

First Place: Isabelle Dimant from Olympic Heights High School’s The Torch with her piece on the gambling issues among Boca Raton high schoolers.

Second Place: A collaborative effort by Natalia Dzielnicka, Andie Korenge, Victoria Damaso, Ava Thomas, Ella Bernbaum, and Crystal Goes from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Eagle Eye, highlighting their community service efforts.

Second Place: Angelina Popov-Easton and Ayla Kayan from South Broward High School’s Bulldog Bark, for their insightful articles on student security and graduation attire regulations.

Honorable Mention: Ava Thomas of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Eye, detailing significant renovation projects at the school.

Feature/Entertainment Writing

First Place: Ayla Kayan from South Broward Bulldog Bark, for her compelling story titled “Longing to Belong.”

Second Place: London Franklin from Dreyfoos School of the Arts’ The Muse, showcasing a diverse portfolio.

Third Place: Bianca Carbo from Olympic Heights The Torch, covering the theatrical presentation “Boeing Boeing.”

Honorable Mention: Andie Korenge from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Eye, for her unique take on “Terms & Conditions.”

Commentary

First Place (tie): Lily Craig from South Broward Bulldog Bark with an opinion cartoon portfolio.

First Place (tie): A group from Pompano Beach High School Tornado Times including Regan Dorval, Diani Encarnacion, Patrick Gohl, Saanvi Indukuri, and Blair Picchiarini.

Second Place: Alexander Pekala of Coral Springs Charter Paw Print, for his portfolio.

Third Place: Liliana Kirby from Dreyfoos School of the Arts The Muse, discussing the decline of required reading in education.

Honorable Mention: Various students including Griffin Petti, Lila Goldin, Tori Scaglione, and others, for their contributions to impactful commentary.

Sports Writing

First Place: Charlotte Handel of Dreyfoos School of the Arts The Muse, recognized for articles on local sports initiatives.

Second Place: Emmanuel Baptiste of Pembroke Pines Charter The CHAT, for his article on the Jaguars’ soccer journey here.

Third Place: Carolina Ochoa and Matthew John of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Eye, for their piece “Pay to Play.”

Honorable Mentions: Recognized students include Daniel Wu, Sarah Silig, Brielle Estrin, and Madison Casanova for their diverse contributions to sports journalism.

Photography

First Place: Saarah Juman-Welch of South Broward Bulldog Bark for her football photography.

Second Place: Isabella Schuhmann of Coral Springs Charter Paw Print, also for her work in football photography.

Third Place: Chloe Schuhmann of Coral Springs Charter Paw Print, for her portfolio.

Honorable Mention: Sean Mecate of Pompano Beach Tornado Times for his football photography.

Social Media

First Place: Isabella Schuhmann of Coral Springs Charter Paw Print for her work on Instagram.

Second Place: Spanish River The Galleon for their Application.

Third Place: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Eye for their Eagle Insights Episode 2

Honorable Mentions: Spanish River The Galleon, West Boca Raton Community High School Bullseye, and other schools for their innovative social media presence.