Contact:

Heather Porter, Programs Coordinator, 317/927.8000 ext. 204 or hporter@spj.org

Beth King, Communications Manager, 317-927-8000 ext. 211 or bking@spj.org

Indianapolis – SPJ, the nation’s most broad-based journalism advocacy organization, announces three scholarship winners in the 2006 High School Essay Contest. Hundreds of public, private and home-schooled students in grades 9-12 submitted essays about “Why Free News Media Are Important.”
Professional and student SPJ chapters served as judges for the contest, with first place recipients advancing to the national contest. The first round of judging occurred in March and the national competition took place in April.

2006 High School Essay Contest Award Winners:

First Place, $1,000 Scholarship Winner:
Angelika Zych of Vanguard High School in Ocala, Fla.

Second Place, $500 Scholarship Winner:
Jonathan Homrighausen of Sunnyside High School in Sunnyside, Wash.

Third Place, $300 Scholarship Winner:
Amy Brooks of Clayton High School in Clayton, Mo.
Complete details about the High School Essay Contest may be found by visiting www.spj.org.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and works to protect the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.

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