Stockbridge’s own Zabrina Yannella named to All State Student Journalist Staff

“Journalism is what makes me who I am, so when I got awarded to be on the MIPA journalism staff I was overjoyed.”

by Nathan Myers

April 23 was a busy day at the Lansing Center as the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) honored 15 outstanding high school seniors in naming them to its 2018 Student Journalist Staff. Stockbridge’s own Zabrina Yannella was selected as one of the honorees, representing the state’s top journalists among scholastic media outlets.

To apply for this award, graduating seniors submitted a portfolio of their work, which then the committee of student media advisers judged.

“These students not only are accomplished journalists, but they are leaders in their communities,” said Jeremy Steele, executive director of MIPA and a faculty member in the Michigan State University School of Journalism. “Their work helps provide a voice for fellow students and brings to light the issues affecting their schools.” He noted that in today’s information age, “these students provide a great civic service to all of us.”

Journalism advisor Elizabeth Cyr expressed elation when she learned Yannella had won this prestigious MIPA Student Staff award. “I was filled with joy for her because she is so deserving,” Cyr said. “Her audience sees the products of her writing and design, but I see the tireless effort she puts into her craft,” Cyr added that she was overcome with pride and happiness for Yannella because she has witnessed the degree of effort she puts into her investigation and writing. “I watch her spend–there’s no other word for it–grueling hours in the journalism lab working to beautify designs. And, I admire her ability to infuse her insufferable positivity into her staff. This award was a public testament to all she has stood for throughout her time on staff.”

Elizabeth Cyr and Zabrina Yanella at the 2018 MIPA Award Ceremony

Yannella, daughter of Stephanie and Christopher Yannella, said, “Journalism is what makes me who I am, so when I got awarded to be on the MIPA journalism staff I was overjoyed. I love being able to use my voice as a journalist to speak up for those who can not speak up for themselves.” Yannella said she plans to attend Washtenaw Community College and get her associates degree in journalism with a minor in teaching English as a second language. Afterward, she plans to transfer to Michigan State University to earn her bachelor’s degree.

The 14 other award winners hailed from much larger schools, including Grosse Pointe, Grand Blanc, Troy, Lake Orion, Midland and Fenton and Gull Lake.

MIPA also recognized six members of the Student Journalist Staff as All-MIPA Award recipients, the organization’s highest honor for student journalists. These journalists represent the top students in their field for News Design, News Writing & Reporting, Photojournalism, Video, Yearbook, and Multiplatform journalism.