Martys contest honors high school journalists

The work of 14 central Ohio high school journalists is being recognized by the chapter via the third annual Martys Awards.

The annual competition is staged by The Dispatch Printing Co., parent company to The Columbus Dispatch, ThisWeek News, Columbus Monthly and Columbus C.E.O. Magazine, with sponsorship from the Central Ohio Society of Professional Journalists.

The contest honors the late Martin L. Rozenman, former Dispatch reporter, longtime editor of Suburban News Publications and nine-year board of directors member of the Central Ohio SPJ. Mentoring students – and reaching out to young journalists to encourage their interest in the profession – were hallmarks of Rozenman’s career. He died in 2010 after a lengthy battle with a blood disorder.

The first-place winner in each of five categories receives $150 from The Dispatch Printing Co., and the overall Best of Show winner –  “The Marty” – wins an additional $250 prize and will be honored at the Central Ohio SPJ’s annual Founders Day banquet.

The 2013 winners in The Martys contest:

Best Feature Writing

First: Kate Magill and Olivia Miltner, Upper Arlington High School, A New Normal.

Second: Carly Hyder, Olentangy High School, Community responds after teen crash.

Best News Writing

First: Matias Grotewold, Patty Huntley and Cassie Lowery, Upper Arlington High School, Pills for Perfection.

Second: Alex Meyer, Bexley High School, Phone use while driving now prohibited for minors.

Best Opinion Writing

First: Justin Meyer, Bexley High School, Problems in Washington are fault of voters, not representatives.

Second: Patrick Fahey, Olentangy High School, Patrick’s perspective: Why do I need to know this?

Best Photography

First: Brenna Parker, Olentangy High School, Olentangy Student Section 2013.

Second: Natasha Ringnalda, Upper Arlington High School, Pills for Perfection.

Best Sports Writing

First: Will Davis, Bexley High School, Boys soccer finishes season with state semifinal appearance.

Second: Emily Reed, Upper Arlington High School, Butting Heads: Concussions cause athletes to suffer both on and off the field of play.

Overall Best of Show – The Marty

Matias Grotewold, Patty Huntley and Cassie Lowery, Upper Arlington High School, Pills for Perfection.