The Oracle took third place in the nation in the annual Journalism Education Association (JEA) contest in Nashville, Tennessee, which took place November 12-15. Additionally, 12 editors placed in graphic design and writing competitions, out of 1,668 students competing at the conference, according to the JEA website. 

The individual competitions took place on Friday, Nov. 14. Over 660 students from across the country placed in three winning categories: superior, excellent, and honorable mention. 

The Nashville competition yielded the highest number of editors placing in history, Bob Wysocki, The Oracle adviser said. Ranging from sports writing, to newspaper layout, to infographics, editors worked hard in their respective competition categories and were rewarded, Wysocki said. 

As a staff, placing third out of hundreds of student news publications across the country is an amazing feat, Wysocki said. It also is a historic achievement for The Oracle.

“Third place shows the quality of work that the editors, staff writers, photographers, and illustrators do issue in and issue out,” Wysocki said. “For the last few years, we’ve been sixth place, now it’s third place in the country. It’s a big deal.”

Though editors work hard year-round producing issues, the placement validates all the editing, writing, and reporting it takes to make The Oracle as great as it is, Wysocki said. The win should make the editors feel proud of themselves, Wysocki said. 

“I don’t think any kid is on the newspaper because they want an award,” Wysocki said. “But when they’re recognized, it’s reinforcement and affirmation of all the work that they do, all the hours that they spend inside and outside of the classroom. Having that recognition from their peers, and then from advisers from other parts of the country, says a lot. I’m very proud of the staff.”