Start here for info and registration link. 

General Guidelines

Advisers of competitors must be members of the Texas Association of Journalism Educators at the time of pre-registration. Only one entry per school per contest except for the non-prompt contests (designated with a *). Students may enter only one contest except in those designated with an asterisk. 

Please note contest dates and times. Many contests are prompt-based this year, with materials posted on the TAJE website prior to the due date.

Because judging panels will meet virtually, students will not receive individual critiques this year. However, all judging panels will be asked to provide general feedback so this continues to be a learning experience.

Please email contests@taje.org if substitutions are needed.

All entries may be used in TAJE publications.

 

Writing Contests

• Stories must be saved as PDFs and submitted prior to the deadline..
• Style should be consistent throughout writing.
• Interviews will be conducted through a videoconferencing service such as Zoom and recorded. If a contestant experiences technical difficulties, the recording will be shared so they have access to the interview. 
• Live interviews will take place between 1-4 p.m. Advisers will receive exact times as speakers are confirmed.

 

News Writing (Live Interview Oct. 10, time TBD; entries due Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.)

Contest Overview

Contestants will write a news story based on a set of notes compiled from background information and a live interview. Students may use an AP Stylebook, dictionary and/or thesaurus but no other resources, such as websites, articles published by other sources on the subject or their adviser. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Lead includes the most important aspects of the story idea and answers the basic news questions. News-feature leads may be used when appropriate.
• Content reveals the writer’s ability to prioritize information.
• Story is void of editorializing.
• Appropriate direct and indirect quotes are used. 

 

Feature Writing (Live Interview Oct. 10, time TBD; entries due Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.)

Contest Overview

Contestants may be given a fact sheet which includes background information. Participants will conduct a live interview and write a feature story in the provided time. Students may use an AP Stylebook, dictionary and/or thesaurus, but no other resources, such as websites, articles published by other sources on the subject or their adviser. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Lead catches the reader’s attention. 
• Body of story uses short paragraphs. Summary statements are used as transitions. Conclusion ties back to lead.
• Quality quotes are used throughout the story. The quotes are appropriate to the tone and mood of the story.

 

Review Writing (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to write and submit)

Contest Overview

Students will be asked to review something related to a specific subject. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Each reviewer will form his or her opinion. Students may use an AP Stylebook dictionary and/or thesaurus, but no other resources, such as articles published by other sources on the subject or their adviser. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Includes background.
• Answers the appropriate question: “Is it worth what I’d have to pay to see/hear/consume it?”
• Uses purposeful wording to persuade the reader.
• Includes the name/title in review.

 

Editorial Writing (Live Interview Oct. 10, time TBD; entries due Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.)

Contest Overview

Contestants may be given a fact sheet and will conduct a live interview. Students will determine which side of the issue to take and write an editorial. Students may use an AP Stylebook, dictionary and/or thesaurus, but no other resources, such as websites, articles published by other sources on the subject or their adviser. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Lead states the writer’s viewpoint.
• Writer’s arguments are logically and convincingly presented.
• Opposing arguments are successfully refuted by the writer.
• Name-calling, insults and personal attacks are avoided.

 

Sports Feature Writing (Live Interview Oct. 10, time TBD; entries due Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.)

Contest Overview

Writers will take a set of notes compiled from a live interview and will write a sports feature. Students may use an AP Stylebook, dictionary and/or thesaurus, but no other resources, such as websites, articles published by other sources on the subject or their adviser. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Lead showcases the most important aspect of the story idea.
• Content reveals the writer’s ability to prioritize information and develop the story in order of importance.
• Story is void of editorializing.

 

Yearbook Copy (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to write and submit)

Contest Overview

Given a fact sheet including background information, yearbook reporters will write a headline presentation, three captions and a story for one yearbook spread.  A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Photographs will be included for which basic identification/description material will be provided. Students may use an AP Stylebook, dictionary and/or thesaurus. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Headline catches the readers’ attention and captures the gist of story content.
• Body copy follows feature writing format.
• Captions begin with catchy lead-ins. First sentence tells the action in the photo. Second sentence goes beyond the obvious and tells the reader something he can’t see in the photo.
• Quotes are used effectively. 

 

Headline Writing (Stories and counts posted Oct. 10, time TBD; entries due Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.)

Contest Overview

Contestants will write headlines to specified counts for six printed stories and record answers on provided answer sheets. Students without access to a printer may write headlines on a blank sheet of paper. On the day of the contest, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Headlines can be written upstyle, downstyle, or in block letters, but contestants should remain consistent in style. Headlines do not end with periods.  Students may use an AP stylebook, dictionary and/or thesaurus, but no other resources. Students will submit pictures of their entries to contests@taje.org before the deadline.

Checklist

• Headlines should fit the mood/content of the story and contain the most important, relevant information written to catch the reader’s attention.
• Headlines should utilize active verbs in the present or future tense. If a headline has both a main and secondary headline, at least one of the headlines must have a verb.
• Headlines should not include split prepositional or verb phrases  
• While creativity is important, emphasis will be given to accuracy and correct form.
• Students should avoid using the same word twice, using unfamiliar abbreviations and starting the headline with a verb.
• Students should use single quotation marks and omit articles (a, an, the). A comma may be used in most cases in place of “and.”
• Headlines over or under count will be disqualified.

 

NEW: Literary Magazine Writing*  (Content must have been produced between Oct. 3, 2019 and Oct. 9, 2020. Submit by 6 p.m. Oct. 9)

Contest Overview

Students will submit an original work. The entry may be poetry or prose. Three students per school may enter this category. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Work should be original and creative
• Writing is concise
• Literary devices, figurative language, concrete language and imagery used effectively
• Tone and mood are developed
• Few writing convention errors

 

Design Contests

Newspaper Feature Page Design (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit)

Contest Overview

Designers will create one feature spread as either a broadsheet feature page, magazine or a tabloid double-page spread for a specified topic. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline. Make sure “Spreads” is checked when exporting to PDF.

Checklist

• Features a dominant visual entry point.
• Features a dominant typographical entry point.
• Creates clearly defined stories on different angles to the spread or page’s topic.
• Devices such as text heads, drop caps or pull quotes facilitate reading and keep the reader interested.
• Visually balanced.
• Visuals add to the design flow of reader information.
• Illustrations add interest.
• Photographs are cropped effectively, and caption placement is indicated.
• Color (if used) adds effectively to overall design.

 

Beginning Yearbook Design (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit)

Contest Overview

Beginning designers will create one double-page layout for a specified section of the yearbook (theme, student life, academics, etc.).  A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Designers will select as many photos as they wish, crop and place photos. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline. Make sure “Spreads” is checked when exporting to PDF.

• Both exterior and interior margins are consistent. Column/grid structure is evident.
• Dominant photo is noticeably larger than other photos.
• Photos are various sizes and shapes.
• Photos are grouped in center of spread with copy to outside. 
• No trapped copy or unplanned white space.
• Photos are action shots, cropped correctly.
• Graphics and screens are used effectively.

Advanced Yearbook Design (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit)

Contest Overview

Advanced designers will create one double-page layout for a specified section of the yearbook (organizations, sports, individuals, specialty section, etc.). A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Designers will select as many photos as they wish, crop and place photos. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline. Make sure “Spreads” is checked when exporting to PDF.

Checklist

• Criteria for Beginning Yearbook Design contest should be followed.
• Basic reading patterns have been acknowledged in the design.
• Spread uses all elements of content effectively to relate to story.
• Spread achieves a planned, consistent presentation.
• Specialty content has been treated effectively.

 

NEW: Marketing (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit) 

Contest Overview

Competitors will receive a scenario and develop marketing materials that reflect the situation. A week before the convention, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. As part of the contest, students will be asked to develop specific items, such as branding, graphics, flyers and/or social media campaigns. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Original or creative marketing strategies used
• Marketing strategies developed with situation in mind (not one size fits all)
• Materials connect to one another visually
• Copy highlights key aspects; no errors in information.
• Required element included

 

Editorial Illustration (Live Interview Oct. 10, time TBD; entries due Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.)

Contest Overview

Illustrators should use pencils, pens and 8.5 X 11 illustration paper and/or board.

Based on a live interview, artists will prepare an editorial cartoon which captures visually the position or statement expressed. Illustrations must be in black & white and submit their image to contests@taje.org by the deadline.

Checklist

• Visual message is simple and clear.
• Artistic techniques are obvious, well-defined and developed.
• Unique approach taken to the content, avoiding the obvious.

 

Yearbook Theme Package (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 submit)

Contest Overview

A team of two contestants will be provided a fact sheet and images from which they will develop copy and designs for the opening theme spread and one division spread. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. The fact sheet will include a stated theme around which copy will be developed. No software will be provided. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline. Make sure “Spreads” is checked when exporting to PDF.

Checklist

• Theme copy captures the tone or mood of the year.
• Theme copy needs to be featurized, conversational and stylized rather than formulaic.
• Theme concept should dictate design.

 

In-Depth Package (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit)

Contest Overview

Students will create an in-depth package based on a provided topic that includes an infographic, a video and a story. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Students can work alone or in teams of no more than three, but only those students entered in the contest can create content for the competition. Students will put the content in a Google Drive folder. Students will share the folder with contests@taje.org by the contest deadline.

Checklist

• Includes a main story, photos, video and/or audio (no more than three minutes in length) and one additional coverage component (sidebar, links, infographic)
• Displays use of social media or other means of interactivity with the audience
• Created for the contestants’ school audience
• Visually appealing
• Readable and easy to navigate
• Follows journalistic ethical standards and style

 

NEW: Literary Magazine Design* (Content must have been produced between Oct. 3, 2019 and Oct. 9, 2020. Submit by 6 p.m. Oct. 9)

Contest Overview

Students will submit a single or double-page design from the school’s literary magazine. The design may content feature art, photography, poetry or prose, or a combination of these. Three students per school may enter this category. Students must save their entries as PDFs (named StudentName_SchoolName_Category) and submit them to contests@taje.org by the deadline. Make sure “Spreads” is checked when exporting to PDF.

Checklist

• Both exterior and interior margins are consistent. Column/grid structure is evident.
• Content has clear visual hierarchy and mood.
• Design reflects content
• No trapped copy or unplanned white space.
• Graphics and screens are used effectively.

 

Photography/Video

Open Photo Contests*

• Students may submit one entry per category. Schools may enter three students per category. Entries must be entered online at contest.atpi.org. 
• Entries submitted for the Best in Texas Yearbook, Print News, Broadcast and Online News contests are not eligible.
• Photos must be no more than 2500 pixels in the long direction, saved as RGB (or grayscale), JPEG files. Images can be either color or black and white. Captions and school information must be included in the Description field.
• Category
• Student Name
• School Name
• School City, State
• Teacher Name, instructor
• Caption
• For instructions on how to enter the caption information, go to http://www.atpi.org/submission/.
• Advisers may register contestants with student email addresses so that students can log in and upload their own photos, or teachers may upload the photos for the students.  
• DO NOT wait until the contest deadline to enter students.
• All critiques will be completed online. 
• DO NOT submit images in which the content has been significantly digitally altered. 
• Entries must be entered online no later than 6 p.m. Oct. 9.

 

Action Photo*

News/Feature Photo*

Photography Portfolio*

Overview of categories

Photographs must have been taken between Oct. 3, 2019, and Oct. 9, 2020. Images can be either color or black and white. Images cannot be entered in more than one category (except portfolio). Pictures need not be cropped for competition in the same manner as they appeared in the publication, if applicable. Entries must be entered online at contest.atpi.org. 

 

Photography Portfolio ONLY:

 Students should enter at least three but no more than five photos. Photographs must have been taken between Oct. 3, 2019, to Oct. 9, 2020.

Entries must be entered online no later than Oct. 9.

Checklist

• Deserving subject matter captures action and/or reaction.
• Imaginative, unique approach to traditional subjects.
• Lively, easy-to-consider composition with attention to artistic techniques.
• Above reproach technical quality including sharp focus, effective tonal quality and lack of flaws.
• Neatness in presentation.
• Captions must be included in Description field.

 

Portrait*

Category Overview

Students will submit ONE portrait photograph taken between Oct. 3, 2019 and Oct. 9, 2020. The photograph should be a portrait, either a formal portrait or an environmental portrait, taken by the entrant.

Checklist

• Imaginative subject matter.
• Technical quality and excellence.
• Photo composition; visual impact; simplicity; cropping; lighting. 
• Students should NOT enter mug shots, sometimes called head shots.

 

First-Year Photo*

Category Overview

Only students in their first year of any journalism, photojournalism or media class are eligible for this competition. Contestants will submit ONE photograph taken before Oct. 9, 2020. The photograph should be taken by the entrant and may be of any subject matter. A full caption should be included in the Description field. Photo may be color or black-and-white.

Checklist

• Imaginative subject matter.
• Excellent technical quality.
• Excellent photo composition.
• Visual impact; simplicity; cropping; lighting. 
• Quality of the caption may also be considered.

 

Open Video/Broadcast*

All video contest entries must be submitted in the following manner:

• Upload videos to YouTube or Vimeo.
• Video titles should use the following format:  School – category – name 

Example: Washington HS – TAJE Sports 2018 – J. Doe

• Submit entries via https://bit.ly/2020FallFiestaVideo (case-sensitive). All entries should be submitted at once.
• Entries submitted for the Best in Texas Broadcast contest are not eligible.

Deadline for uploading video entries is 6 p.m. Oct. 9.

 

Contest Overview

Limit of two video entries per category per school. Videos must have been produced after Oct. 3, 2019. 

Categories and Criteria

COMMERCIAL/PSA* – 15-, 30- and 60-second spots to be judged all together. These should advertise a real product or service, promote a real or nonprofit organization or educate the public on an important cause.

NEWS STORY* – single story

FEATURE STORY* – single story

SPORTS STORY* – single sports story

Checklist

Videos will be ranked on the following criteria:

• Appropriate topic
• Evidence of journalistic storytelling
• Follows AP Broadcast Style
• Video Quality, Framing, Editing Technique

If applicable:

• Camera Presence

 

Prompt-Based Photo/Video contests

• Advisers may not help students select photos/videos.
• Students may use whatever equipment available to them, including cell phones.

 

Digital Photography* (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit.)

Contest Overview

Photographers will have one week to shoot specific assignments in five categories. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Schools are limited to six photographers total. Contest entries should clearly fit the category. Images will be uploaded to the ATPI contest website (contest.atpi.org). Advisers will need to assign students to the contest on atpi.org prior to the deadline.

Checklist

• Make sure the picture/video is in focus and has appropriate lighting.
• Fill the frame; move in close.
• Take both horizontal and vertical pictures.
• Use composition techniques like rule of thirds, patterns, leading lines and framing.
• Look for fresh, creative, innovative approaches to pictures.

 

Broadcast Package* (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit.)

Contest Overview

Students will edit on their own equipment in teams of two. Each team will shoot and edit a complete broadcast feature story. All editing must be done with no outside help from the adviser or other students. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. Entries will be emailed to contests@taje.org in an MPEG4 or MOV file named StudentName_SchoolName_Category. The total running time should be between 1:30 and 2:00. 

 

Videography (Prompt posted Oct. 2; students will have until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 to submit.)

Contest Overview

Entries will be submitted as MPEG4 or MOV file named StudentName_SchoolName_Category to contests@taje.org. Videographers will be given a topic by the contest moderator and will create a video essay on that topic. A week before the deadline, contest materials will be on the TAJE website, taje.org, for contestants to download. No interviews are allowed. All work is done in-camera. Video essay should address the topic and pay attention to sequencing. Story should be told only through video and sound. Contests are done by a single student; each school may enter one student. Total running time for entry is 1:30-3 minutes. 

Checklist

• Use of creative angles.
• Overall videography skills are displayed.
• Use of natural sound when available.
• Development of a storyline.
• Sequencing.