Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Journalism Students Sweep Ball State University Contests
LAGRANGE, IN – Lakeland School Corporation is proud to announce that the Lakeland Jr/Sr High School journalism program achieved remarkable success at the recent Ball State High School Student Contests, securing awards in every category submitted.
Competing against some of the largest high schools in the state—many with student populations exceeding 2,500 and expansive media departments—Lakeland’s student-led program demonstrated elite-level talent in digital storytelling and photography.
The journalism staff earned the following honors:
Superior in Social Media Marketing: Lakeland was one of only two schools in the state (alongside Zionsville High School) to receive the highest possible ranking. The entry showcased a diverse range of content, including weekly news segments, hallway interviews, and program highlights.
Superior in Social Media Sports: Joining Hamilton Southeastern and Columbus North, Lakeland received a Superior ranking for its comprehensive sports coverage, including game day posts, score reports, hype videos, and "Media Day" content.
Excellent in Social Media News: The staff earned an Excellent ranking for their featured coverage of the Girls Wrestling State Finals.
Honorable Mention in Sports Photography: Student Olivia Gulley was recognized for her powerful reaction photo capturing the moment Donnie Waldron and Naomi Arroyo realized Arroyo had secured a spot on the state podium.
"I am shocked and super excited for our kids," said Samantha Stanford, English teacher and Journalism advisor. "Considering the size of the programs we were ranked alongside, our students truly rocked it. They proved that Lakeland's talent and work ethic can compete with anyone in the state."
These awards highlight the commitment of Lakeland School Corporation to providing students with real-world, professional-level opportunities in media and communications.