This year the journalism department hosted the first ever yearbook and newspaper banquet, and with this new event came new traditions, such as class superlatives and a journalism competition. Among all of the “new” awards and events, perhaps the most anticipated honor of the night was the announcement of the winner of the $500 journalism scholarship, annually awarded to a member of the senior class and donated by the yearbook company, Jostens.

While adviser Casi Thedford usually has a panel of judges, this year some of her usual judges knew the applicants. To make it fair, she selected a professional in the field of journalism and news reporting to choose the winner of this scholarship.

“I know what scholarship opportunities meant to my children and I took each individual into account as if they were my own child or student, and then also as a professional,” the judge said, “So many of these kids have bright futures and show such potential. Without knowing them personally, and just judging from what is on paper, it’s hard. But at the same time, I am glad I do not know them personally.”

Five years ago, Thedford decided the scholarship was something she wanted to do for her seniors and asked Jostens if they would be willing to pay for it. They took $500 off of the yearbook bill, and that’s the money that goes to the recipient.

“I think every single one of my students is deserving of it,” Thedford said. “I don’t choose who receives it because that would be like picking my favorite child. It’s impossible.”

This year’s recipient was senior Maribeth Mills, a student who has been involved with the journalism program for all four years of high school and on the yearbook staff for the past three years.

“It took me a minute to realize that my name was called because I didn’t believe it! I totally did not expect it since I knew there were other people who deserved it a lot more than me,” Mills said.

Mills’ passion for photography is part of the reason she was involved in the journalism program. Samples of her work can be found on her website.

“I love photography because it brings people together,” Mills said. “I also love being able to express the way I see the world through my self-portraits and being able to photograph others and show who they are through my portraits.”

Mills plans on going to Collin College and getting her basics done.

“We all know Maribeth is an exceptional photographer but she is wonderful on the inside, too,” Thedford said. “She has a fun personality, a drive to succeed and I know one day we’ll all revel in her accomplishments.”