Kinston High School students and Viking Press staffers Jasmine Blackwell, Zi’Yonia Jenkins, Zaria Newton, Kayla Skinner and Amya Williams attended the recent North Carolina Scholastic Media Association's Annual Institute, held at UNC-Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media, and brought home recognitions for their publications.

Kinston High School’s media staff, The Viking Press, was recognized at the recent North Carolina Scholastic Media Association's Annual Institute, held at UNC-Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media.

Student publications submitted their work prior to the Institute to be judged in NCSMA'S statewide media contest. The Viking Press received two awards: Honorable Mention for Social Media Engagement and Distinction for Yearbook. Distinction is the second highest award level.

During the Institute, held June 20-23, KHS students Jasmine Blackwell, Zi’Yonia Jenkins, Zaria Newton, Kayla Skinner, Amya Williams and Viking Press adviser Sabrina Fourre learned alongside other high school journalism students and teachers from across the state and participated in instructional sessions led by university faculty and featured writers, designers and journalists. 

The staff focused on paying attention to details in reporting, writing, design, editing and photography. Student officers chose the theme “On Watch” to highlight the importance of being watchful for ideas and injustices while bearing witness to people's stories in local communities.

“The Viking Press worked hard to earn this honor again,” Fourre said. “The staff looks forward to utilizing the feedback from the critique to create goals for the 2024 yearbook.”