Katie Dixon is our ‘Star of the Future’
Katie Dixon, a 16-year-old student from Cottingham High School in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has won the NCTJ’s Stars of the Future competition.
Katie Dixon, a 16-year-old student from Cottingham High School in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has won the NCTJ’s Stars of the Future competition.
Katie wrote an article about her school adopting a new house system for the Hull Daily Mail.
The teenager, who is studying photography, film studies, media production and English language, will be presented with a cheque for £250 courtesy of the NCTJ and the Society of Editors in the coming weeks. Her prize also includes work experience at the Hull Daily Mail.
“I feel very surprised but happy that I have been chosen as the winner,” said Katie. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to gain work experience with the Hull Daily Mail and I am looking forward to spending the prize money.”
Jamie Macaskill, assistant editor at the Hull Daily Mail, said he was delighted Katie had won the NCTJ competition for aspiring young journalists.
Jamie added: “She wrote a strong entry about an important issue for her school and community. It is very encouraging to see young people showing such enthusiasm to become journalists.
“Newspapers may face tough challenges ahead but there will always be a place for keen, enquiring and talented young reporters, and Katie is already showing signs of developing those qualities.”
Kim Fletcher, NCTJ chairman, said: “Katie’s article is very accomplished for someone of her age who has had no journalism training or experience. She included two good quotes and showed points of view from both sides of the story. All in all, it is a nicely structured and balanced piece.”
The competition, which ran in partnership with regional newspapers all over the UK is part of the NCTJ’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
It was open to young people between 16 and 18 years old hoping to get their work into print. The winning articles from regional newspapers are available to view here.
The Hull Daily Mail article about Katie’s win, written by Ceriann Rush, an NCTJ student from the University of Sheffield, can be viewed here.
Download Hull Daily Mail article
