Craig Melvin named 2021 convention keynote speaker
Craig Melvin, Columbia native and "Today Show" news anchor, will participate in our first "Convention Conversation," led by former SIPA president Amanda Loveday.
News
SIPA Convention – March 4-7
We're going virtual! It's been a rough year since the last convention, but we're going to do our best to make this convention as close to the SIPA experience you know and love! Register for the convention online any time before March 6 to receive access to all content for one year!
Whova will host the convention on its virtual platform. If you need to get the host platform approved, let your district know now.
Scroggins Award: Best in South – Feb. 10
SIPA presents its highest award, the Scroggins Award: Best of South, each year to each publication type – broadcast, literary magazine, newsprint, online and yearbook. To be eligible, a program must be a SIPA member and submit an entry form for their publication to compete in the proper class.
SIPA's Best Visual Contest open to all members – Feb. 12
All members can enter SIPA's Best Visual Contest now! Previously, the contest was open to convention attendees only. Entries are due Feb. 12. Publications are limited to three entries per category. Entries are only $5 each!
SIPA membership renewal
It's a new school year! So don't forget to renew your SIPA membership. Even if you have a lifetime membership, you need to update your school and evaluative information.
2020 Convention Wrap-up
Find out what happened at SIPA 2020, what sessions were offered, who won what and what packages were created on our convention homepage. Do you have photos or video from the convention that you would like to share? Send them to Leslie!
Social media
Follow SIPA on social media. We're on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest, and we want you to follow us. Find us by searching for SIPAatUSC!
Analis Bailey announced as special speaker at 2021 convention
Analis Bailey, a UofSC SJMC alumna, will speak live to convention attendees on March 5. Bailey works for USA Today as a sports reporter.
Natalie Ripps recognized as SIPA Star
Natalie Ripps, Clarke Central HS (Ga.) literary-arts magazine co-editor, is the second student named a SIPA Star, a showcase series that spotlights individual students, celebrates their content and exemplifies good Southern journalism at work in scholastic classrooms.
American Heritage, West Henderson receive technology grants
The SIPA Endowment Committee awarded two technology grants this year due to COVID-19. WAHS News broadcast at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida and Wingspan news program and Westwind yearbook at West Hendersoon HS in Hendersonville, North Carolina received $500 for technology.
SIPA members receive national recognition, awards
SIPA members snag big awards for individual achievements as well as for overall publications from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Quill and Scroll Honor Society.
Ebony Christie named first SIPA Star
Ebony Christie, Richland Northeast HS (S.C.) producer, becomes the first student recognized as a SIPA Star, a showcase series that spotlights individual students, celebrates their content and exemplifies good Southern journalism at work in scholastic classrooms.
Endowment to award two technology grants
Since the school year will be virtual, the SIPA Endowment Committee will award two $500 technology grants to members.
SIPA adopts six cornerstone values
This summer, SIPA adopted six cornerstone values that coincide with its new mission statement.
SIPA recognizes individuals for service at 2020 convention
SIPA recognized several individuals for their service at the annual convention held March 6-8, 2020 in Columbia.
Amanda Heckert announced as 2020 convention keynote
Amanda Heckert, a University of South Carolina alumna, will be the Saturday morning keynote speaker at the 2020 convention. Heckert is the deputy editor at Garden & Gun magazine and editor of the magazine's latest book, Southern Women.
Lori Oglesbee-Petter named 2020 Endowment speaker
Lori Oglesbee-Petter, former SIPA chair, has fought fiercely to protect the practice of journalism. When the principal of Prosper HS implemented prior review, she taught her students how to stand up for themselves and for their first amendment rights.
SIPA members win at 2019 National High School Journalism Fall Convention
SIPA members snag big awards for individual achievements as well as for overall publications from the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association at the 2018 Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Washington, D.C. Nov. 21-24.
New Hope HS online news program receives technology grant
The SIPA Endowment awarded its sixth technology grant to The Arrow online news program at New Hope High School in New Hope, Alabama.
Prosper HS online editors, former adviser announced as convention speakers
Neha Madhira and Haley Stack will give a TED Talk-style speech March 2, while their former adviser Lori Oglesbee-Petter will teach multiple yearbook sessions. All three will be honored with the Joseph Shoquist Freedom of the Press Award.
Brenda Gorsuch named 2019 Endowment speaker
Brenda Gorsuch, former West Henderson HS (North Carolina) adviser, has inspired a generation of journalists and continues to support SIPA's mission.
Q&A: Get to know your 2018-2019 SIPA student officers
Learn more about Yasmin, Kelly, Greyson and Megan, your SIPA student officers. They attended the fall executive committee meeting and were responsible for the SIPA 2019 theme and logo.
SIPA members win at 2018 National High School Journalism Fall Convention
SIPA members snag big awards for individual achievements as well as for overall publications from the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association at the 2018 Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Chicago Nov. 1-4.
Northwest Guilford HS newspaper receives technology grant
The SIPA Endowment awarded its fifth annual technology grant to the Northwest Horizons print and online program at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
SIPA recognizes outstanding administrator
SIPA recognized Sabrina Suber with its Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator-of-the-Year Award at the annual SIPA convention held March 2-4, 2018 in Columbia.
SIPA honors individuals for service to organization
SIPA honored several individuals for their service at the annual SIPA convention held March 2-4, 2018 in Columbia.
SIPA members win at 2017 National High School Journalism Fall Convention
SIPA members won some big awards for individual achievements and as overall publications from the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association at the 2017 Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Dallas Nov. 15-19.
Beth Fitts named 2018 Endowment speaker
Beth Fitts, former Mississippi Scholastic Press Association director and high school journalism adviser, has supported scholastic journalism and education throughout the Southeast.
SIPA broadcast members win Emmy awards
Two SIPA member programs won 2017 National Student Production Awards, better known as Emmy Awards, from The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
SIPA Alumni: Rebecca Pittman
Rebecca Pittman is a media planner at Brunner, a marketing organization responsible for one of the most memorable Super Bowl 2017 advertising spots.
Students awarded scholarships at SIPA convention
SIPA awarded scholarships to three outstanding scholastic journalists at the annual SIPA convention held March 3-5, 2017 in Columbia.
SIPA honors outstanding administrators, alumni and staff
SIPA honored several of its outstanding administrators, staffers and alumni at the annual SIPA convention held March 3-5, 2017 in Columbia.
SIPA Alumni: Mills Hayes
A former yearbook editor at Lexington High School, Mills Hayes is now pursuing a broadcast journalism degree at the University of South Carolina, where she's the station manager for SGTV.
SIPA Alumni: Bertram Rantin
A former SIPA president and SCSPA Journalist of the Year, Bertram Rantin brings 30 years of journalistic experience into the classroom at USC.
SIPA Announces Keynote and #MySouth Campaign
Kyle Tibbs Jones of The Bitter Southerner will give an interactive keynote at the 2017 SIPA Conference on Saturday, March 4.
SIPA adds new ways to connect through social media
SIPA uses social media to connect with, educate, offer advice to and entertain members. Find out how the organization uses three platforms.
SIPA Alumni: Megan Plassmeyer
SIPA helped instill an investigative mentality that's been vital to Megan Plassmeyer in her advocacy work at the Women's Rights and Empowerment Network.
SIPA Staff: Justin Brouckaert
Justin Brouckaert earned his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Carolina in May 2016 and has been telling SIPA success stories since August 2016.
SIPA Alumni: Lauren Harper
SIPA helped teach Lauren Harper the ins and outs of journalism. Now she puts that knowledge to use in the Office of the Mayor.
Mary Inglis named 2017 Endowment speaker
Mary Inglis, Wellington High School yearbook adviser, has been a driving force behind the SIPA Endowment since its inception 22 years ago.
SIPA Alumni: Amanda Loveday
Amanda Loveday's career has taken a few twists and turns, from journalism to politics to public relations. The one thing that's never changed? A love for storytelling.
SIPA members win big at JEA/NSPA 2016 fall convention
SIPA members won some big awards from the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association at the 2016 Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Indianapolis Nov. 10-13.
SIPA Alumni: Justin Fabiano
Justin Fabiano's journalism career started with SIPA, then took him to the University of South Carolina, ESPN and the SEC Network before landing him back home at Stratford High School.
SIPA Alumni: Liz McCarthy
SCSPA and SIPA helped Liz McCarthy hone her skills in writing, photography, video and social media. At USC, she found a job that lets her do it all.
SIPA Alumni: Rebecca Piner
Rebecca Piner's experiences as SIPA auction coordinator gave her the confidence to pursue a public relations degree. Now she uses those experiences every day as a marketing assistant for USC Athletics.
SIPA Alumni: Jarad Greene
Jarad Greene, a former SIPA student assistant, is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in cartooning. SIPA gave him the encouragement and validation to stick with his craft through college and beyond.
SIPA Alumni: Anna Hodgson
Anna Hodgson, a 2012 University of South Carolina visual communications graduate, is fascinated by data visualization, where investigative journalism meets creative design.
SIPA Alumni: Kevin Mobley
Kevin Mobley is a 2016 graduate of Clarke Central High School, where he was editor-in-chief of ODYSSEY newsmagazine. He looks back on SIPA conventions as milestones in his journalistic growth.
Student Officer: Sophie Winnick
Sophie Winnick, Wando High School senior, is co-editor-in-chief of the Legend yearbook. She likes how SIPA brings out the competitive side of scholastic journalists.
Student Officer: Sam Aaron
Sam Aaron, Dutch Fork High School senior, is co-producer of The Silver Screen Report broadcast and co-editor of The Renaissance newsmagazine.
Student Officer: Allison Killinger
Allison Killinger, Richland Northeast High School senior, is the co-editor-in-chief of The Archive yearbook. Through SIPA, she's learned valuable skills in advertising, photography and spread design.
Student Officer: Sara Goodie
Sara Goodie, Clarke Central High School senior, is the editor-in-chief of the iliad literary arts magazine. She credits SIPA for instilling confidence, drive and her dedication to journalism.
Ola HS newspaper receives technology grant
The SIPA Endowment awarded its third annual technology grant to the Hoof Print at Ola High School in McDonough, Georgia.
Links
Awards and Critiques
Students can receive awards for individual work in various categories, publications and programs gain feedback and honors for overall work and advisers, principals and scholastic media friends can be recognized for dedication and support to programs. See all the awards and contests SIPA offers.
Carolina Journalism Institute
CJI is a four-day summer institute devoted to helping high school students and advisers enhance their knowledge of cutting-edge journalism techniques and standards for their publications and productions. Find out about CJI 2020!
Convention
SIPA holds its annual convention the first weekend of March in Columbia, South Carolina. Start planning your trip March 6-8, 2020 now!
Endowment
SIPA's Endowment supports convention and college scholarships, a technology grant, keynote speakers and mentoring programs that benefit students and advisers across the Southeast. See how you can support the Endowment.
Membership
SIPA offers membership to broadcast, literary magazine, newsprint, online and yearbook programs in middle and high schools. Join your regional organization today!
Social Media
SIPA connects with members through various social media platforms. Each platform allows us to communicate and engage in different ways, whether through curating resources, creating digital content or directly sharing advice.
Spotlight
SIPA students make an impact in high school, at college and in the professional world. Here are some of their stories.