Awards
SCSPA recognizes contributions to scholastic journalism through awards and scholarships at annual conferences. Students can apply for college scholarships and submit portfolios for individual awards. You can honor the achievements of advisers and other friends of scholastic journalism by nominating them for yearly recognitions.
Student Awards
Journalist of the Year Award
SCSPA and JEA annually recognize one graduating senior for outstanding contributions to scholastic journalism. Applicants are judged on contributions to their publications, as well as involvement in the community. The state Journalist of the Year automatically becomes South Carolina’s entry in the Journalism Education Association’s national competition.
Students are encouraged to submit a portfolio that is as complete as possible according the JEA rubric. Remember that exceptionally strong performance in one area can compensate for areas that are not as strong, individually.
Please use the JEA’s resources including the JEA JOY scoring rubric to help in preparing your portfolio.
- South Carolina JOY Application – due February 1
Adviser Awards
Reid H. Montgomery Adviser of the Year Award
Established in memory of Dr. Montgomery, a past director of SCSPA, this award is presented to an adviser who exemplifies a high standard of excellence in service to scholastic journalism. Nominated advisers should demonstrate a high commitment to scholastic journalism on the state, regional and/or national level.
Bruce E. Konkle Rising Star Award
Established in honor of a past director of SCSPA, this award recognizes an adviser who has five years or fewer years of advising experience and makes a difference in the lives of his/her media students by encouraging professionalism in media production and creating excitement in his/her classroom for the love of written, verbal and written communications.
Individual and Group Awards
Albert T. Scroggins Award
Named after a former Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, this award is presented to an individual or group who has made outstanding contributions to South Carolina scholastic journalism. No current adviser may be nominated.
Scholarships
SCSPA Leadership Scholarship
SCSPA awards one $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior who has been admitted and plans to attend the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Applicants are judged on their scholastic journalism involvement, as well as their academic achievements while in high school.
SCSPA Scholastic Scholarship
SCSPA awards $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have been admitted and plan to attend the USC College of Information and Communications. Applicants must have attended at least one SCSPA conference during their junior or senior year. Applicants are judged on their scholastic journalism involvement, as well as their academic achievements while in high school.
Bertram Rantin Scholarship (no application required)
SCSPA awards one $1,000 scholarship to the South Carolina Journalist of the Year who has been admitted and plans to attend the USC College of Information and Communications. The scholarship honors Betram Rantin, the 1977 Scholastic Journalist of the Year and a former SCSPA vice president.
