FHC student named Missouri Journalist of the Year

Kelci Davis, a senior at Francis Howell Central (FHC) High School, has been named the Missouri State Journalist of the Year. She learned of the award at a surprise ceremony during her second hour class on Monday, Feb. 25. Davis is the first student in FHC history to win the award conferred by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA).

According to Student Journalist of the Year judge, Rod Howe, Davis will be a great addition to the professional world of journalism.

“Kelci Davis will be a welcome addition to the world of professional journalism because she is not afraid to show compassion for the subjects of her stories, whether they be insightful features, columns or photo essays,” said Journalist of the Year judge, Rod Howe. “We already have enough cold, dispassionate journalists in the media wolf pack. Kelci’s portfolio displays an impressive breadth of journalistic skills in photojournalism, design and writing. Her words, visuals and photographs – the heart-tugging images from a funeral ceremony come to mind – provide readers and viewers with messages they need to read and see to have a better understanding of and compassion for the unprivileged, and the victims of discrimination, bullying, or war. Kelci is a fitting representative of all the excellence in Missouri scholastic journalism.”

The Student Journalist of the Year Award is a highly competitive competition amongst the best student journalists from around the state. They each make portfolios of their best work and a winner is chosen. Then, each state’s winner can enter the national competition.

Davis will be presented with a plaque and given a chance to address the MIPA members at Scholastic Journalism Day on April 10. She will also be the Missouri representative to the JEA National Student Journalist of the Year competition, the winner of which will be announced on April 27, in San Francisco.