The Ursuline Academy of Dallas lit magazine Esse 2024 and 2024 Acres yearbook recently received top honors at the American Scholastic Press Association Annual Contest/Review*.

Esse, advised by English teacher George Rodriquez and art department chair Jocelyn Holmes, was edited by Mary Borkowski ’24 and May Atwell ’24. Students, including those taking classes in the art department, submit work for consideration each year. In addition to a first-place award for Esse, the publication also received a “special recognition” designation.

May, ESSE art editor said, “The artwork featured in this magazine represents the spirit of movement within our artistic community at Ursuline; each girl embraces this power in the work they create and the pieces of themselves they choose to share with Esse.”

Read Esse 2024 here.

The 2024 Acres yearbook, advised by Journalism teacher Melinda Smith, was recognized for its depiction and inclusion of the Ursuline Dallas sesquicentennial milestone while giving a nod to pop culture star Taylor Swift and her Eras tour.

This 425-page yearbook was a collaborative effort by members of the class of 2024 including:

·       Ella Robinson ’24, Co-editor

·       Natalie Rich ’24, Co-editor

·       Berkeley Bundy ’24, Three-year staff member

·       Gracie Hood ’24, Three-year staff member

·       Flora Racz ‘24, First year staff member

·       Stephanie Guerrero ‘24, First year staff member

The American Scholastic Press Association Annual Contest/Review is in its 45th year and provides a platform to promote and recognize high school journalism. Both publications will receive a thorough review by experienced judges who will offer specific suggestions for improvement.

The current staff of both ESSE and Acres are already hard at work on this year's publications.

*Student newspapers will be judged and awarded later in the calendar year.