2017 Single-Topic News or Feature for Print/Online (Medium Staff) Finalist: Mackenzie Mays
“‘Too Young?’ Sex Education Controversies in California’s Central Valley”
About the Entry
In a series for the Fresno Bee, Mackenzie Mays looks at the local politics influencing enforcement of California’s law requiring schools to provide comprehensive sexual education, and how that might be a factor in teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among students in the Central Valley.
Comments from the Judges
“Innovative way to brig policy to reality by showing in personal detail how not being open with kids about sex ed can truly trap families in a cycle of poverty.”
“Kudos to the paper & reporter for tackling a tough, uncomfortable topic. The interviews with multiple teen parents and the survey to get student input gives teens a voice in a story about them.”