Members of the 2024 The Lion staff attend the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association’s convention in Little Rock. Front Row: Calandra Cook, advisor; Taryn Hunt, Teagan Cook, Fiona Donaire, Valeria Acevedo, Fajjar Cheema and Cecely Banks. Back Row: Jordan Bowman, Isaac Salinas, Emily Jones, Allyson Brewster, Addi Watts, Cyntia Torres and Allison Cleveland. Not Pictured: Riley Rodgers, Vivi Tomlinson and Isabella Ventura
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The Lion, Searcy High School’s yearbook, won a Superior rating for its 2023 volume at the 2024 Arkansas Scholastic Press Association’s annual convention. The conference was held April 25-26 in Little Rock, where student journalists across the state, including young writers, photographers, filmmakers, and broadcasters gathered to compete as well as learn about the newest trends in the field.
Several members of the The Lion yearbook staff were recognized for their work on the current book as well as for their skill in contests performed on-site.
Superior: Allison Cleveland, Special Coverage; Teagan Cook, Academic Copy; Fiona Donaire, Student Life Copy (Best of ASPA); Cyntia Torres and Allison Cleveland, Cover Design.
Excellent: Fajjar Cheema, People Layout and Club Photo; Teagan Cook, Academic Layout; Taryn Hunt, Sports Photo; Vivi Tomlinson, Club Copy; Watts, Portrait Photo.
Honorable Mention: Jordan Bowman, Riley Rodgers & Isaac Salinas, Sports Layout; Allison Cleveland, Academic Photo; Allison Cleveland and Cyntia Torres, Theme Development; Allison Cleveland and Vivi Tomlinson, Club Layout; Cyntia Torres, Environmental Photo & Student Life Photo.
First Place: Valeria Acevedo, Yearbook Sports Copy; Fajjar Cheema, Student Life Layout; Allison Cleveland, Thematic Photo; Emily Jones, Yearbook Ad Design; Addi Watts, Sports Layout.
Second Place: Allyson Brester, Narrative Essay; Taryn Hunt, Journalistic Photo.
Competitions were separated into two categories: Mail-in Contests, which focus on the 2024 book and Prompted Competitions, which are held at the convention. The former areas are awarded Honorable Mention, Excellent, or Superior--though not every entry is always given a rating--and one superior entry is named “Best of ASPA,” indicating it was the best of all entries. The on-site awards are ranked 1st-3rd places. The areas of competition include news, broadcast, film, photography, literary writing, and yearbook.
The Lion’s staff includes 16 students and is advised by Calandra Cook. The 2024 annual will cover the full academic year and will be distributed at the annual Sign the Lion event at the end of summer.