The Mill Valley High School journalism students are Class 5A state champions for the second consecutive year.

The Jaguars walked away with the first-place trophy on May 1 at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association state contest.

More than 940 students from 109 school competed in the contest, which includes 11 carry-in competitions and nine on-site competitions.

Members of the JAG yearbook and JagWire, the school’s newspaper, competed in the all-day competition at Kansas University.

Aleksandra Milewski, junior on the yearbook staff, said the day was split into two sessions for carry-in work, such as photography, and on-site competitions, such as editing.

Miranda Wagner, junior on the yearbook staff, said the competition was fierce.

“There are a lot of different schools there competing, you get to see a lot,” she said.

Kaitlyn Butko, junior on JagWire, said the confidence level of other schools could be daunting but Mill Valley had great programs to showcase.

“We’re really pumped we won,” Kaitlyn said. “We’re ready to have that trophy back on display here.”

Aleksandra said she was proud of both the yearbook and newspaper, even though they can be competitive with each other.

“It was just really great to see everyone and their talents culminated in the trophy,” she said.

Miranda said the consecutive state championship proved MVHS had a quality journalism program.

“People respect what has been done and want to carry on with that accomplishment,” she said.

Aleksandra said a big part of the yearbook and newspaper achievements were from Kathy Habiger’s instruction.

“Mrs. H is an excellent teacher,” she said. “Much of our success is because she has really pushed us to do the best we can.”

Habiger, yearbook and newspaper adviser, said the accomplishment was great for the program and students.

“It’s great they are getting recognized for their talents,” she said. “These kids represent the best in the program. It’s awesome they get to bring that title back to Mill Valley.”

Now the students are looking to next year’s publications.

Miranda, Aleksandra and Kaitlyn will all hold leadership positions with the paper.

“We’re always trying to improve on how we work as a staff and knowing each others weaknesses,” Miranda said.

The three will attend camps at either KU or Kansas State University over the summer to learn new techniques and prepare for the fall.

“I had a lot of fun last year at camp,” Kaitlyn said. “It’s a good bonding experience and you get to thinking about what you want to do with the paper.”

Habiger said that with seniors leaving and new students coming in, the two publications will set goals and trust they can win a state championship all over again.

The following students placed in the competition:

• Senior Christy Khamphilay, first place in infographic design

• Senior Zack Leas, third place in advertising design

• Junior Miranda Wagner, second place in editing

• Junior Aleksandra Milewski, third place in editing

• Junior Camden Bender, third place in student life photography

• Juniors Miranda Wagner and Aleksandra Milewski, third place in yearbook theme design

• Junior Allison Weis, honorable mention in sports photography

• Juniors Aaron Harrington and Devin Rudicel, honorable mention in video news package

• Junior Kaitlyn Magner, honorable mention in yearbook copy writing

Also competing at state were seniors Katelyn Appleby, Alex Linville, Jessie Stoneburner and Mark Joerling, junior Katilyn Butko and sophomore Sarah Darby.