Wando’s Olivia Potter is the 2021 SC Scholastic Journalist of the Year
May 18, 2021
Oliva Potter, co-editor in chief of Legend, Wando High School’s award-winning yearbook, was recently named the 2021 South Carolina Scholastic Journalist of the Year by the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association.
Potter, a senior, is the sixth student from Wando to earn this honor in the 52-year history of the award, and the fourth Warrior to receive this award in the past five years. It is the highest honor a high school journalist can receive in the state.
“Potter has been an astounding asset and representative of Wando yearbook and our commitment to excellence,” said Wando English teacher and yearbook adviser Phillip Caston. “Her work ethic and dedication to our program over the past three years has been incredible, and her leadership skills this year as a co-editor in chief were valuable as she guided our large staff through yearbook production during the pandemic. She serves as a role model to our younger staff members and leads them not only as a mentor and editor, but also like a big sister. She is protective, supportive, and celebratory of their accomplishments.”
Potter completed an online portfolio of work ranging from writing, photography, design, editing, and entrepreneurship, as well as several letters of recommendation and a personal essay. Her portfolio can be viewed at https://oliviapotterjoy.weebly.com/.
Potter will receive $500, and her portfolio will represent South Carolina in the Journalism Education Association’s National Journalist of the Year competition.
“I have always looked up to the past winners from Wando so to be added to that list means a lot to me,” Potter explained. “I definitely cried when Mr. Caston told me about the news in class. I wasn’t expecting to win because there was some incredible competition but I am really proud of my portfolio and I’m lucky to be a part of such an amazing journalism program at Wando. From the upperclassmen who I met as a freshman that inspired me to pursue journalism, to my teachers that have believed in me and been there for me, I have had an incredible community that made this possible.”
Potter will be honored by the SC Scholastic Press Association during a virtual ceremony scheduled for later this month.
“Olivia’s commitment to journalistic endeavors, integrity, and work ethic define the essence of the Journalist of the Year award, and she is a superb representative of the state of South Carolina for this honor,” added Caston.
For more information, contact Phillip Caston, at [email protected].
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally-accredited school district that is committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 87 schools and specialized programs.
CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.
