2010 LOWA Youth Journalism Contest

The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) honored the winners of its 2010 Youth Journalism Contest (YJC) at its 65th annual conference held in Covington on Saturday, August 7, 2010.  An annual event, the contest focuses on building literacy among outdoor youth while promoting involvement in the outdoors.   

Students share personal experiences in hunting, fishing, boating, camping, horseback riding, hiking, or any other activities where they engage with nature and the environment. Judges look for literate and enthusiastic work along with photography that captures the essence and spirit of Louisiana. 

Prize monies are donated by the Louisiana Chapter of Safari Clubs International, and the Baton Rouge Advocate provided advertising and press releases in the promotion of the contest. First through fourth place winners receive award certificates and cash prizes. The categories are Photography (18 and under), Senior Essay (14-18), and Junior Essay (13 and under).  

 The 2010 YJC photography winners and their photos:

1st Place:
Jacob Thompson
Flight of the Egret
Oak Forest Academy
Amite, LA

2nd Place:
Brittany Gosserand
Louisiana Reflections
St. Michael the Arc Angel High School
Baton Rouge, LA

3rd Place:
Emily Winter
Stream of Serenity
Home Schooled
Gonzales, LA

4th Place:
Dylan Duvio
Gator Camouflage
John Curtis Christian School
Kenner, LA

 The 2010 YJC Senior Essays 14-18 age group:

1st Place:
Catherine Parsiola
Nature’s Spectacle
Berwick High School
Berwick, LA
 
2nd Place:
Joshua Bellau
Louisiana Education:  Reading, Writing, Arithmetic…& Fishing!
John Curtis Christian School
Kenner, LA

3rd Place:
Jacob Thompson
Photo Challenger
Oak Forest Academy
Amite, LA
 
4th Place:
William Guilbeau
My Outdoors
Academy of Environmental Sciences
Youngsville, LA 


The 2010 YJC Junior Essays 7-13 age group:

1st Place:
Madeleine Juneau
Magpie Lessons
Glasgow Middle School
Baton Rouge, LA

2nd Place:
Ashley Davis
Deer Stand Education
Lee Road Jr. High School
Covington, LA

Third Place:
Alexis Lang
Will I Ever Get To Go Fishing Again
John Curtis Christian School
Kenner, LA 

4th Place:
Joe Stassi
Duck Hunting At Dawn
Dutchtown Middle School
Prairieville, LA

 The winning entries can be viewed by clicking the links to the right.   The Louisiana Chapter of Safari Clubs International (SCI) also publishes the winners in their newsletter.  Also, LOWA President, Lyle Johnson, and Board Member, Joe Macaluso, have published article on the YJC winners via their internet columns.  Louisiana Road Trips Magazine also featured the contest in their magazine, as well as in their on-line Magazine.  Finally, Paradise Louisiana TV show also highlighted our YJC winners.  Click the links at the bottom of the page to see the articles and the Paradise Louisiana episode.

Eight of the 11 winners are pictured on the left with the YJC Chairman and Sponsor, as follows.  First row: Brittany Gosserand, Joe Stassi, Emily Winter, Ashley Davis, William Guilbeau. Second Row: YJC Chairman Gordon Hutchinson, Joshua Bellau, Catherine Parsiola, Jacob Thompson and Pug Loren, President of Safari Club International, Louisiana Chapter, the YJC Sponsor.