Senior Jayden Bonham, Junior Khristian Banks, and Junior Ty McDermott represented MMI Preparatory School at the state finals of the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s Student Journalism Competition at the University Park Campus at Penn State.

Bonham took first place for Literary Magazine Poetry. In this category, students write an original poem for a literary magazine using the theme and length given. Entrants must title the poem and clearly indicate lines through identification and use of margins. Students are to exhibit an understanding of poetry, its conventions, punctuation and potential to create a setting, convey a tone, connect to feelings and to delve beyond the surface. He is the son of W. Craig Bonham and Melissa Bonham of Sugarloaf.

McDermott took third place for Literary Magazine Artwork. In this category, students are given a poem written by a professional poet. After reading the poem, students will create a drawing that is relevant to the poem and that would accompany the poem in the literary magazine. He is the son of Terrence and Lesley McDermott of White Haven.

Banks took fourth place in the Yearbook Caption Writing competition. For this category, students write captions and lead-ins for five provided pictures. Captions must tell a complete story and should have a minimum length of three sentences. She is the daughter of Michael and Renee Banks of Mountain Top. Mrs. Jennifer Novotney, MMI English Department Chair, serves as the advisor for this competition.

The Pennsylvania School Press Association Student Journalism Competition features education and competitions for every student journalist in Pennsylvania. The event includes writing, design and artistic opportunities similar to those offered at the Journalism Education Association’s semi-annual conventions.

Photo Caption: Three MMI students placed at the state finals of PA School Press Association’s Student Journalism Competition. Pictured are: Ty McDermott, Jayden Bonham, Khristian Banks, and Jennifer Novotney, MMI English Department Chair and Activity Advisor.