The Academy Ka Leo staff garnered multiple awards at the 2016 Hawaii High School Journalism Awards on Apr. 20. The Ka Leo  was named the 3rd Best in State among high school newspapers.

Staff members entered articles, photos and comics in 19 different categories, 15 of which placed first, second or third.

In the private schools competition, Ka Leo took 1st in photography, photo essay, action photo, video, multimedia, editorial, commentary and website. Second place winners were hand-drawn illustration, blog and infographic, and 3rd place sports, profile, editorial cartoon and comic strip.

In the state competition, the student newspaper placed 1st in multimedia, photography, photo essay, action photo, commentary and website and 2nd for video and editorial.

Reporter junior Kailanianna Ablog was shocked at the major wins.

“I wasn’t expecting it. I was really surprised because I feel like I did work hard, but again, compared to all the other articles that are also really good out there, I didn’t think I could do well enough to compare myself to them. It was definitely humbling because it was so unexpected. Being recognized on that scale is just amazing,” said Ablog.

The contest, sponsored by the Hawaii Publishers Association, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, MidWeek, Generations Magazine, Hagadone Printing Co., Honolulu Publishing Co., Journal Graphics, Morris Visitor Publications, PacificBasin Communications and This Week Publications, held the recognition luncheon at the Pagoda Hotel.