Stillwater students add flair to Aquatennial news coverage

Eight students who contribute to Stillwater Area High's award-winning Pony Express newspaper took part recently in a national journalism workshop not far from home.

They went to the University of Minnesota to gain online and print experience covering the Minneapolis Aquatennial.

The three-day camp was held July 24-26 and organized by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).

Most of the 30 participants came from Minnesota schools, but there was an international presence, as well.

Links to the online and print pieces are available on the Stillwater Area Public Schools website at stillwater.k12.mn.us and reveal a strong Pony Express staff influence.

Justin Hannasch was one of two lead designers for the 10-page print publication, Current, that carried a photo by fellow Stillwater Area High student Jordan Fulin on the cover. Two other classmates — Megan McGuire and Allie Langness — led a group that created the website's design, a Stillwater school district news release said.

Also participating were Joe Rice, Sam Begin, Tessa Rosa and Katie Hutton.

Earlier this year, a pair of Pony Express student journalists — editor-in-chief Jessica Thomas and broadcast managing editor Ahnika Kroll — continued the newspaper's run of excellence by earning honorable mentions in the competition for 2015 Student Journalist of the Year in Minnesota.

The recognition came a year after Paul Hudachek, the paper's editor-in-chief in 2014, won the honor, which is presented by the Journalism Education Association.

The 2013-14 Pony Express staff also took eighth place a year ago in the NSPA Best of Show.

The South Washington County School District has put out a call for tutors to work at four of its elementary schools.

The positions are being sought through the Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps and require 11 months of service. In return, participants receive training, professional development opportunities and living stipends.

Tutors serve statewide, but the district wants to fill positions this year at Armstrong, Pine Hill, Royal Oaks and Woodbury elementary schools. The district said it was particularly interested in people who are "dedicated to the community."

Math and reading tutors have included grandparents, parents, recent college graduates and midcareer professionals.

An application is available on the district's website at www.sowashco.org.

For additional information, contact recruitment@servemnaction.org or call 866-859-2825.