Sporleder is State Runner-Up
In a time when artificial intelligence is taking the writing world by storm, Pierce senior, Addison Sporleder, shows that writing is still a craft, and her craft is worthy of state runner-up honors.
Sporleder, who is also co-editor of the yearbook, nabbed the silver medal in Class B at the 2023 NSAA State Journalism Contest in the Sports News Writing category.
“I’m probably going to be on cloud nine until I graduate because it’s so cool. I’m going to cherish the moment forever and hang my medal like a proud journalist,” says an elated Sporleder. “Personally I couldn’t have done any of this without Mrs. B. She’s guided me so much throughout the past couple years and made me the writer I am today. She’s also helped me discover my passion for writing, which I’m very excited to continue this study when I go on to college.”
At the state contest, Sporleder had 75 minutes to craft a sports story, given only facts about a make believe basketball game between two fake teams. She was provided with direct interviews from coaches on both sides, as well as player interviews. Sporleder then had to mold the story into something eye-catching and interesting to readers.
“Throughout the year, we write hundreds of stories in journalism class,” remarks journalism/yearbook sponsor Crys Bauermeister. “When students see their name in the bylines it’s one thing, but recognition that all the hard work put into story writing is another, especially when claiming state runner-up honors. I’m so proud of Addi and wish her the best in all of her future journalism endeavors.”
Sporleder is the highest finisher in Pierce journalism history, and she plans to study journalism at the University of South Dakota.
