The 2023-24 ODYSSEY Media Group Production class poses by the trophy case on Feb. 21 with a commendation from Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp recognizing Scholastic Journalism Week and a proclamation recognizing Scholastic Journalism Week in Athens-Clarke County issued by ACC Mayor Kelly Girtz. OMG and students within the program were recognized for work produced from Dec. 2023 to May on Aug. 9. “It is always rewarding to see our team’s work commended on a national scale,” OMG adviser David Ragsdale said. “I expect nothing less from our staff and our Leadership Teams. Kudos to our 2023-2024 Editors-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot, Molly Harwell and Anna Shaikun.” Photo by Aza Khan
The ODYSSEY Media Group placed fifth in the National Scholastic Press Association spring Clips & Clicks contest, among other program recognitions.
The National Scholastic Press Association recognized various publications across the country in the 2024 spring Clips & Clicks Sweepstakes contest, with results released on Aug. 9. Stories evaluated for recognition were produced between Dec. 14, 2023 to May 8.
According to NSPA associate director Gary Lundgren, there were approximately 869 submissions with 119 being recognized. The judges determined the number of winners in each category based on the quality and quantity of the entries.
“The judges consistently said they were very impressed with the quality of the entries submitted,” Lundgren said.
When calculating Sweepstakes, the following points are assigned:
First Place: 10
Second Place: 9
Third Place: 8
Fourth Place: 7
Fifth Place: 6
Honorable Mention: 5
Among individual submissions, six stories awarded were produced by OMG students, which allowed the OMG to finish in fifth place nationally, moving up two slots from seventh place in February.
“I was so excited to hear about the awards our third issue received and was even more proud of the amazing staff that put it together,” 2023-24 OMG Editor-in-Chief and 2024 alumna Molly Harwell said. “Issue Three was the last issue that I put together as Editor-in-Chief, so it meant the world to go out on such a high note, even after graduation.”
Current OMG Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Meyer, who won an Honorable Mention for his column “Tell Me, Wy,” is hopeful that receiving these awards is the momentum the ODYSSEY staff needs as they go into the 2024-25 school year.
“I hope that not just my award, but all the awards from ODYSSEY students, serve as a reminder that anyone is capable of winning on a national stage if they put the work in,” Meyer said. “On that list (of those recognized) was a single-semester ODYSSEY senior, so the fact that she won a high award should serve as inspiration for the coming school year.”
“I was so excited to hear about the awards our third issue received and was even more proud of the amazing staff that put it together.”
— Molly Harwell,
2023-24 OMG Editor-in-Chief and 2024 alumna
In addition to NSPA’s Clips & Clicks recognition, the 2023-24 ODYSSEY Newsmagazine received an All-American evaluation with Marks of Distinction in Coverage and Content, Visuals and Text in a critique from NSPA in July. Meyer and OMG adviser David Ragsdale took part in a virtual critique with Ron Goins, the Van Nuys High School The Mirror adviser, who judged the publication.
“Despite facing challenges, the staff has produced a publication that serves its school community well,” Goins stated in his evaluation. “By focusing on consistency, accuracy, and continued development of advanced journalistic skills, the ODYSSEY is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address its areas for improvement.”
For Ragsdale, being recognized at a national level is an accomplishment, but these achievements shouldn’t stop here.
“I expect nothing less from our staff and our Leadership Teams. Kudos to our 2023-2024 Editors-in-Chief Olivia Hendershot, Molly Harwell and Anna Shaikun,” Ragsdale said. “If the 2024-2025 team continues to be disciplined and honors the legacy of their forebears, space is the place and the sky is the limit.”
Staff Awards
Design, Newsmagazine Front Page, Fourth Place, National Scholastic Press Association, Molly Harwell, Issue 3
Design, Newsmagazine Page/Spread, Third Place, Maya Clement, “Helping Hand”
Photojournalism, News Photo, Fifth Place, Aza Khan, “Helping Hand”
Writing, News Story, Fifth Place, Isabella Westrich, “Cooking up a storm”
Writing, Opinion, Fourth Place, Amya Hopkins, “Absent period products”
Writing, Opinion, Honorable Mention, Wyatt Meyer, “Tell me Wy (Issue 2)”
