UIL Journalism

The University Interscholastic League sponsors five journalism events - news, feature, editorial and headline writing, as well as copy-editing.

Students compete at the district level with the top three advancing to regional competition. The top three from regionals qualify for state competition. The UIL journalism program has seen increased participation in recent years. Many contests winners have gone on to excel as professional journalists. College Scholarships are available for state qualifiers. Students do not need to be in a journalism class to participate, but must see Mrs. Frey for entry, and help with journalism-specific information.

Journalism Events Overview

Editorial writing teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, news judgment, and the ability to think deeply, to compare and contrast and to argue or defend a point of view persuasively.


Feature writing teaches student to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly, and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on the same writing skills as other UIL Journalism Contests, as well as the ability to write descriptively.


News writing teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes and news judgment.


Headline writing teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on the ability to discern key facts and to write with flair and style in order to tell and sell a story.


Copy Editing teaches student the vital skills of proofreading and editing to create accurate, clear and succinct writing. Emphasis is placed on the ability to find and correct grammatical, spelling, punctuation, AP style and factual errors.