As co-editor-in-chief of The Viking Views, senior David Esber often reports on the achievements of Hoover’s students and programs. But at the Ohio Scholastic Media Association (OSMA) convention held April 3 at Kent State University, Esber was surprised by a success of his own. He was named Ohio Student Journalist of the Year by the Journalism Education Association.
By winning, Esber will receive a $500 scholarship and serve as state-representative at the national convention in Phoenix, Ariz.
“It was a pretty incredible thing,” Esber said. “It was very exciting to be able to receive that honor.”
Viking Views adviser Mrs. Rachelle Ogilvie said he was a worthy contender.
“One criteria that is very strong for him is the idea of convergence—are you just writing and printing stories, or are you taking journalism into the next generation?” she said. “A lot of that deals with online.”
In fact, Esber said using multi-media may have contributed to his win. During the 2008 presidential election, he was one of two Hoover students to work with Dutch TV by writing for an international, online blog.
“Journalism has always been around me so it was kind of a cool thing to blog for an international audience,” Esber said.
His mother, Cindy Esber, said journalism has always been important in Esber’s life.
“Part of our [family’s] morning ritual is sitting around, reading papers,” she said. “Since an early age, he read the paper.”
Though Esber has not yet decided on plans for college, Ogilvie can imagine him using his current talents in the future.
“He’s very knowledgeable when it comes to national and international affairs,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him couple that with his journalistic skills as a political correspondent.”
Esber said he feels excited to be recognized for the efforts he puts into The Viking Views, which Ogilvie said is well-deserved.
“He’s got an amazing initiative and a very high work ethic,” she said. “His drive allowed him to persevere and obviously put him where he is today.”