Purpose: To tell a story about the impact of an Extension program, create visibility for the program or communicate a special aspect of the program.
Submit: Photograph in jpeg format and a scanned pdf copy as printed in newspaper or other periodical or active link to where published on the Internet. Provide text that appeared with the photo.
Photo should be of high quality and follow photographic principles of composition. May be black and white or color as published or printed.
- Storytelling ability: Does it contain all the elements necessary to tell the story? Are the elements in a logical relationship? Is it generally free of distracting or unnecessary elements? (30)
- Appropriate captions and/or text: Do the caption and text provide orientation or cues as to how the picture is to be interpreted? Do they avoid repeating what is obvious from viewing the photo(s)? (15)
- Photographic Quality: Are the photos clear and sharp and of a high technical quality? Are the photos well-composed? (30)
- General Information with Submission:
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- Abstract: (5)
- Audience targeted: (5)
- Goals for entry: (5)
- Need being addressed: (5)
- Evaluation results: (5)
1-B Program/Event Press Release
Purpose: To inform people or attract people to an upcoming event. The advance story should include the 5-W’s (who, what, when, why and where), show efforts to attract a new audience or signify the importance of the event.
Submit: Original story in pdf format and scanned copy of publication in pdf format or website link where published electronically. Entries do not need to be lengthy, but should be creative and clearly geared toward informing people about the upcoming event.
Judging Criteria:
- Content: Are the answers to who, what, when, why and where presented in an interesting way? Does the lead sentence capture the readers’ attention? (35)
- Readability: Is the article written in short paragraphs, with short sentences and action words? Does the copy flow easily and logically? Have the rules of good writing, grammar and spelling been followed? (20)
- Style: Does the copy go beyond the 5-W’s and attract a new audience or point out the importance of the event? (20)
- General Information with Submission:
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- Abstract: (5)
- Audience targeted: (5)
- Goals for entry: (5)
- Need(s) being addressed: (5)
- Evaluation results: (5)
Note: If proper Extension branding is not followed, up to 25% will be deducted from the point total.
1-C Follow Up News Story/ Press Release
Purpose: To summarize important educational points of a program or event.
Submit: Typed original story in pdf format and scanned copy of publication in pdf format or website link where published electronically.
Judging Criteria:
- Content: Copy summarizes important educational points of program or event. Quotes the educational authority. (35)
- Readability: Is the article written in short paragraphs, with short sentences and action words? Does the copy flow easily and logically? Have the rules of good writing, grammar and spelling been followed? (20)
- Style: Does the copy provide information of importance or interest to readers? Does the article capture the audience’s attention? (20)
- General Information with Submission:
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- Abstract: (5)
- Audience targeted: (5)
- Goals for entry: (5)
- Need(s) being addressed: (5)
- Evaluation results: (5)
Note: If proper Extension branding is not followed, up to 25% will be deducted from the point total.
Purpose: To develop a personal style of writing for any type of print or Internet media. It should contain pertinent, appropriate and credible information consistent with the writer’s style.
Submit: An original copy of three different columns in pdf format and scanned copies of those same three columns of publication in pdf format or website link where published electronically.
Judging Criteria:
- Content: Does the column contain useful, timely information? Does it provide enough details for the reader to be able to use the information or to tell the reader where to learn more? (25)
- Personalized Approach: Is the column written in a conversational style? Does the writer make use of personal or local anecdotes to get their point across? (20)
- Creativity: Does the writer show originality in choice of topics or presentation of material? Does the writer’s personality come through in their writing? Does the lead paragraph hook the reader and make them want to continue reading? Is the column well-written? (15)
- Readability: Is the writing well-organized with good paragraph transitions, generally short sentences, short paragraphs and easily understood terms? Is the writing free of spelling, grammar and punctuation errors? (15)
- General Information with Submission:
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- Abstract: (5)
- Audience targeted: (5)
- Goals for entry: (5)
- Need(s) being addressed: (5)
- Evaluation results: (5)
Note: If proper Extension branding is not followed, up to 25% will be deducted from the point total.
Purpose: An information piece designed to inform, educate and make the reader respond.
Submit: Original story in pdf format and scanned copy of publication in pdf format or website link where published electronically.
Judging Criteria:
- Content: Concise, yet includes essential information. Designed to make the reader respond. (30)
- Readability: Well-written using correct grammar, spelling and sentence structure. (25)
- Style: Attracts immediate interest. Holds the attention of the reader. (20)
- General Information with Submission:
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- Abstract: (5)
- Audience targeted: (5)
- Goals for entry: (5)
- Need(s) being addressed: (5)
- Evaluation results: (5)
Note: If proper Extension branding is not followed, up to 25% will be deducted from the point total.