6 named to all-state journalism team

The University Interscholastic League announced earlier this month that six students from Albany High School have been named to the 2017-2018 All-State Journalism Staff.

AHS 2018 graduates Rylie Scott, Genevieve Stunkard, and Henry Kelly, along with current senior Kade Everitt, and juniors Addison Asher and Alayna Koemel, were recipients of the honor, six of only about 75 student journalists from all classifications across the state.

To become a member of the All-State Journalism Staff, students must accumulate points over the school year based on their achievements at UIL journalism competitions and other writing and publication contests.

The students were nominated by AHS journalism sponsor Donnie Lucas. 

“I am really proud of the six members of the school newspaper staff who were selected for the All-State Journalism Staff by ILPC,” said Lucas. “They are all great student journalists and now are recognized on a statewide level for their exceptional work.”

Students who earn 50 points or more are eligible to be nominated.

Points are earned through a combination of placing in journalism contest and competing in UIL journalism events.

Both Stunkard and Kelly competed at the state UIL meet in journalism events during their high school career, and Kelly won a Tops in Texas Award at ILPC two years in a row.

Texas is one of the first states to distinguish student journalists with all-state recognition. 

Asher and Everitt are 2018-2019 co-editors of the Lions Roar, fulfilling other newspaper roles as well, while Alayna Koemel is social media editor and also helps with page layout.

UIL was established in 1913 and has become one of the largest organizations of its kind. The league works to provide contests to build citizenship, character and good sportsmanship for all participants.