2011 Cartooning Awards

co-sponsored by Universal UClick

New this year: NSPA is honoring up to 10 entries in each category of the Individual Awards. The top five entries in each category have been announced as finalists, and will be announced as first through fifth place winners later at the fall JEA/NSPA convention in Minneapolis. Up to five honorable mentions have additionally been awarded in each category. The honorable mentions are not ranked.

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Editorial Cartoon

First Place
Gabriela Epstein
The Spoke, Conestoga HS, Berwyn, Pa.

Judge’s comments: Great illustration. Tells a clear message with wonderful artistic skill. Well done.

Second Place
Victoria Rojas
The Pilot’s Log, Hasbrouck Heights HS, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

Judge’s comments: Sophisticated concept and execution that’s effective and creative.

Third Place
Oscar Carl
The Muse, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Judge’s comments: Great detail and use of color in the art.

Fourth Place
Benjamin Wade
Crimson, duPont Manual HS, Louisville, Ky.

Judge’s comments: Amusing drawing that invites thought.

Fifth Place
Eunice Choi
Tornado Times, Hoover HS, Glendale, Calif.

Judge’s comments: Relatable subject with humorous and polished art.

Honorable Mention
Tiffany Do
The Scratching Post, Vernon Hills HS, Vernon Hills, Ill.

Honorable Mention
Daniel Li
The HiLite, Carmel HS, Carmel, Ind.

Honorable Mention
Tyler Richardett
Inkblot, Communications HS, Wall, N.J.

Honorable Mention
Faith Walauskas
Penn Points, Penn Manor HS, Millersville, Pa.

Honorable Mention
Na He Jeon
Saxon Scope, Langley HS, McLean, Va.

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Comic Panel/Strip

First Place
Peter Manges
Scroll, R. Nelson Snider HS, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Judge’s comments: Solid artistic skill and excellent use of color in an ambitious cartoon effort. The character design is familiar but inventive, and the story is engaging, well-written and funny.

Second Place
Josh Auger
The Spartana, Homestead HS, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Judge’s comments: Love the concept. Authentic look at high school career that’s told with clever visual clues. Well-drawn and not overwritten.

Third Place
Cymone Grimes
Cougar Connection, Cypress Creek HS, Houston, Texas

Judge’s comments: Enjoyed the instruction manual feel to this comic. Art is simple but effective, and the use of sarcasm gets the point across with humor.

Fourth Place
Karen Lai
The Moor, Alhambra HS, Alhambra, Calif.

Judge’s comments: Cute and funny. A popular style seen in online comics a lot.

Fifth Place
Gabriela Epstein
The Spoke, Conestoga HS, Berwyn, Pa.

Judge’s comments: Familiar high school story told with effective visual style. A cute gag, solid art.

Honorable Mention
Daniel Li
The HiLite, Carmel HS, Carmel, Ind.

Honorable Mention
Max Kleiner
The Talon, Rochester HS, Rochester Hills, Mich.

Honorable Mention
Katie Bourek
The Fourcast, Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas

Honorable Mention
Anh Nguyen
Andromeda, Chantilly HS, Chantilly, Va.