Logan Heley’s story about easy-to-access inexpensive prescription drugs — particularly OxyContin — has earned the Shawnee Mission East student first place in KSPA’s November Story of the Month contest.
Heley built his story around a dramatic increase in the number of drug overdoses in Overland Park over the first half of 2009, compared to the previous two years. The East student interviewed mental health and law enforcement officials, and he cited key statistics from public records and reports.
Heley also told the story of one East student’s struggle to overcome an addiction to OxyContin. In the end, it was that thorough reporting — combined with adept storytelling — that won for Heley.
The other students who placed in this month’s competition:
- Duncan McHenry, Shawnee Mission East, Second Place: “If they grow it, will you come?” about how food arrives at the East cafeteria, and how that food compares to locally grown alternatives.
- Stephanie Roche, Blue Valley High School, Third Place: “BVSW’s design plans aim for sustainability” about a new high school’s attempt at constructing an environmentally friendly campus.
- Jon Cohen, Lawrence High School, Fourth Place: “School copes with limited funds” about LHS’s struggle to make ends meet in an era of dwindling public financial support.
The next KSPA Story of the Month contest features Sports Stories. The deadline for entry is Friday, January 29, 2010. The registration/entry form is under “Links” on the right side of this page.
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