For the second year in a row – and only the second time in Richardson High School’s history – The Talon was awarded a Silver Star Award at the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) in Austin, TX on April 27.
This award was presented to less than 20 of the approximately 300 student newspapers that were entered into the ILPC competition.
Talon reporters also picked up five “Tops in Texas” awards – the most out of any school newspaper in the state.
Articles submitted to ILPC are judged based on what type of entry they are (News Writing, Sports Photography, Page One design, etc.) and whether the school is in the 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, or 5A size division. The first place winners from each size division compete against each other for the “Tops in Texas” award.
Editor-in-chief senior Talia Richman received three “Tops in Texas” awards for Feature Writing, News Feature Writing, and Entertainment Feature Writing. It is the first time a single reporter has won three “Tops in Texas” honors in ILPC history.
Sophomore Peter Mikhael won a “Tops in Texas” for his editorial about the school’s inadequate lockdown procedures and senior Katherine Ingram won a “Tops in Texas” for her personal column about growing up with a brother who has special needs.
In addition, senior Patricia Sundara won first place for Sports Page Design, second place for Page One Design, and second place for Portraits in the 5A division.
Senior Daud Jamshaid won second place for Sports Feature Writing and senior Kate Bagwell won second place for In-depth/Feature Writing.
Seniors Catherine Stack, Victoria Dennis, and Demir Candas all received Honorable Mentions for their work.
In the yearbook division, yearbook Editor-in-Chief senior Kimmy Pilatovsky received a “Tops in Texas” for her portrait of Law Magnet teacher Alexis Stern.
“The staff worked so hard over the past couple of years,” adviser Wade Kennedy said. “I was so proud of all of the recognition the staff received at ILPC. It was well deserved.”