KHS Mirror receives the "Award of Distinguished Merit"

The Kilgore High School Mirror was awarded the highest honor in this year's newspaper evaluation by the Interscholastic League Press Conference, with the University Interscholastic League (UIL).

The Mirror was given the "Award of Distinguished Merit" for its 2007-2008 newspaper.

"We are very proud of our newspaper staff and their instructor," principal Bobby Wheeley said. "I believe they produce one of, if not the, finest paper in Texas."

This is the seventh consecutive year that the Mirror has been sent to Austin for evaluation. This award breaks a string of "Achievement" honors.

"I am very excited and proud of the staff," adviser Susan Reinbach said. "For the last 11 years, each newspaper staff has worked very hard and produced a great paper. This is for all of the staff members that have helped make the Mirror what it is today.

All of the students who work on the newspaper and the yearbook deserve to be commended for the service they do for their school and community," she said. "I think this high award is way overdue."

The purpose of the evaluation is to reward the staff for their creativity and accomplishments of this year's paper, while providing recommendations for improvement of future papers. The judge, who is anonymous, said, "Very good publication. The newspaper is professional, creative and distinctive. The newspaper achieves individuality through coverage and design."

The Mirror received "Excellent" in the areas of general news, short item news, feature coverage, sports coverage, page one/cover, typography, photography, nameplate, advertising and impressions.

"I am proud of the award and feel honored to have received it," Co-Editor Will Estel said. "There have been many great staffs and smart editors that preceded us. The award recognizes all."