WH journalism students make UIL All-State staff

Five Whitehouse High School students were recently named to the University Interscholastic League 2006-2007 All-State Journalism Staff. Shown are, from left, junior Caitlin Giddens, senior Alyssa Bennington, and juniors Meredith Mohr and Brittni Barnett. Not pictured is 2007 graduate Caitlan Bartle.

Five Whitehouse High School students were recently named to the University Scholastic League 2006-2007 All-State Journalism Staff. Students receiving this honor are graduate Caitlan Bartle, senior Alyssa Bennington and juniors Brittni Barnett, Caitlin Giddens and Meredith Mohr.

"The staff was created to recognize these journalism students who have gone above and beyond to improve their writing and reporting abilities," said Jeanne Acton, UIL Director of Journalism.

To become a member of the All-State Journalism Staff, students must accumulate points over the year based on their achievements at UIL Journalism competition and other writing and publication contests, both statewide and nationwide. Then students apply to UIL to become a member of the staff.

Any student who is involved in scholastic journalism in Texas is eligible for the staff.

"High school journalism students spend many nights and weekends preparing the school publications for distribution as well as preparing for writing competitions," Acton said. "Through scholastic journalism, students learn not only writing skills, but also communication skills and organizational skills."

Pam Miller is the Whitehouse High School UIL journalism coach, and she also advises student publications.