KU News Release

KU moves into first place in Hearst journalism competition

LAWRENCE — Two University of Kansas seniors finished in the top 10 in the profile writing competition of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s 47th annual Journalism Awards Program, putting KU’s William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications in first place in the intercollegiate writing competition.

Mark Vierthaler was fifth in the competition and won $600 for his profile of a KU student who underwent sexual reassignment surgery. His story, “The Kindest Cut,” ran in the Dec. 4 issue of the University Daily Kansan.

Fred Davis III won $500 and finished ninth in the nation for his profile of a National Merit Scholar about to graduate who worked as an exotic dancer at a Lawrence club. His story, “Latter Day Stripper,” ran in the May 10 issue of the University Daily Kansan.

“Both of these profiles dealt with sensitive topics, and the two young men who wrote them deserve great credit for their understanding and respect in telling the dramatic stories of two unusual young women,” said Ted Frederickson, professor of journalism.

KU’s journalism school, which won $2,000 for finishing third in the national competition last year, is now in first place, followed by the University of Missouri, Arizona State University, California State University-Fullerton, the University of Kentucky and Northwestern University. Winners will be announced later this month when Hearst Foundation judges release the results in the sixth and final competition in the contest, spot news reporting.

The school whose students earn the most points by finishing in the top 20 in six different writing competitions wins $10,000 and the first place trophy. The intercollegiate writing competition is open to all accredited journalism schools and departments in the United States.

The Journalism Awards Program is conducted under the auspices of accredited schools of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication and fully funded and administered by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. It consists of six monthly writing, three photojournalism, two radio and two television broadcast news competitions, with championship finals in all divisions held at the culmination of the program year.

KU winners so far are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, high school and award.

FORD COUNTY
From Dodge City 67801
Mark Anton Vierthaler, senior majoring in journalism (news and information), son of Carl and Nancy Vierthaler; Dodge City Senior High School; fifth place in intercollegiate writing.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Shawnee 66216
Curtis Jeffery “C.J.” Moore, senior majoring in journalism (news and information), son of Jayne Moore; Shawnee Mission Northwest High School; second place in college sports writing.

From Overland Park 66207
Francis D. “Frank” Tankard, senior majoring in journalism (news and information), son of Timothy and Valerie Tankard; Shawnee Mission South High School; first place in in-depth writing. Tankard will have the opportunity to compete at the Hearst National Writing Championship in June in San Francisco, Calif.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67205
Michael J. Phillips, senior majoring in journalism (news and information), son of Donna and David Phillips; Maize High School; 12th place in intercollegiate writing.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66606 and Cheyenne, Wyo.
Fred A. Davis III, senior majoring in journalism (news and information), son of Marla Kentch of Topeka and Fred A. Davis of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Hayden High School, Topeka; ninth place in intercollegiate writing.

WYOMING
From Cheyenne and Topeka, Kan.
Fred A. Davis III. SEE SHAWNEE COUNTY

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