Andrew Johnson, a senior at Millard West High School, placed second in the nation for editorial writing at the National Scholastic Press Association fall convention in Minneapolis.
His editorial, "We Don't Fight Fire With Firearms," attacked a proposed legislative bill that would have allowed teachers and school administrators in Nebraska to carry weapons. The bill, which was not enacted, was a response to the shooting at Millard South that killed one administrator and injured another.
Johnson likes to give his opinion, said his journalism teacher, Lisa Lukecart. He agreed, saying he likes editorial writing when it's a subject "that strikes me."
"I'm individualistic; I march to the beat of my own drum," he added.
READ: "We Don't Fight Fire With Firearms"
Other honors for local schools:
Best of Show for papers of eight or fewer pages: The Torch at Papillion-La Vista South, ninth place.
Best of Show for papers of nine to 12 pages: The Lance at Omaha Westside High School, second place.
Best of Show special edition: The Lance, fifth place.
Best of Show literary magazine: Xanadu at Omaha Westside, eighth place.
Best of Show broadcast program: Warrior Television-WTV, Omaha Westside, sixth place.
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