Paly Senior Receives Top Student Journalism Prize

Today was a great day for George Brown.

Not only does the Palo Alto High School senior now have a date for Prom on April 23rd, he was accepted into yet another college, and as of this afternoon, he can refer to himself as California Student Journalist of the Year.

Brown, who celebrated his 18th birthday last week on March 5th, was awarded the statewide Journalist of the Year title in front of his staff of The Viking, Paly’s student-led sports magazine. Brown is an Editor-In-Chief of The Viking, which just launched its very own independent sports website this morning.

Presenting Brown with the award was Tracy Sena, a judge from the Journalism Education Association, who reviewed all seven of the portfolios submitted for this recognition. “What really set his portfolio apart is that he is doing 21st century journalism, and even pushing that a little bit further and showing what journalism will be,” explained Sena.

On hand for the presentation were other Paly Journalists and administrators, as well as his mother, who brought a surprise cake with The Viking logo, a photo of the entire staff, and the new web address of The Viking: vikingsportsmag.com.

Also in attendance was his journalism instructor, Ellen Austin, adviser to The Viking, who was delighted to see one of her students receive this high honor.

“It’s really amazing to have a student win an award like this. In a career as an adviser, it’s unusual to have this happen ever, and to have it happen here at Paly in the fourth year of the sports magazine, is really a wow.”

Austin went on to say that not only was she proud of Brown, but she was proud of the entire magazine. "I think the work that he turned in speaks a lot to what The Viking has tried to represent in the four years of its incarnation and its evolution,” she said.

Along with his plaque and certificate, he received a $500 dollar check and a $500 dollar stipend to attend the JEA Spring Convention in mid-April in Anaheim, where he will represent California.

“I’m thrilled, I’m really thrilled,” added Austin. “This means a lot, I think, not just to me, but to the Editors and to The Viking staff.” She also hopes that “everybody in Paly Journalism is paying attention to this because it also speaks to our overall program and the very hard work that not just one staff, but all the staffs put into all of their publications every day, every week, every month, every year.”

On a personal note, I was one of the other students who submitted an application for this distinguished award. I understand how rigorous the process was, and what an excellent choice the judges made in selecting George. I am truly privileged to work with George, and I am honored to have been considered alongside this terrific student, exceptional leader, remarkable journalist, and great friend.