The Pius X yearbook staff won a Cornhusker Award from the Nebraska High School Press Association (NHSPA) for their 2020-2021 yearbook titled “Survival Guide: Adapt and Overcome.”

“It was an awesome surprise because we always strive to win Cornhuskers and other recognition, but we never expect it,” yearbook adviser Nolan DeWispelare said.

The staff submitted their publication of the yearbook to the NHSPA to be judged and critiqued.

“Our judges are certified through the Journalism Education Association and are from all over the country,” NHSPA President Mark Hilburn said. “The critique forms are divided into a variety of categories (i.e., writing, design, etc.) and points are assigned based on the judge’s critique and comments.”

With the publication that they submit, they also submit a critique form to the judges.

“Once completed, these are sent back to the NHSPA. Schools can earn a Cornhusker (top award), Superior, Distinction and Merit, and Golden Kernel Awards are given based on specific categories,” Hilburn said.

These awards are then presented at the NHSPA Fall Convention.

“It was really cool to receive a Cornhusker award because we didn’t think we would get it,” senior Claire Rohrs said.

High schools from all over Nebraska were invited to the annual Fall Convention held at the UNL Student Union.

“We bring in a keynote speaker and professionals and professors to teach break-out sessions in a variety of aspects of journalism,” Hilburn said. “We celebrate by handing out Cornhusker awards through our critique process.”

Both the Journalism and Yearbook staff attended the Fall Convention on Oct. 18.