Ehrhart, ‘Owl’s Hoot’ Earn Top State Awards
“The Owl’s Hoot” student newspaper took first place in Best Overall Newspaper/Newsmagazine and Editor-in-Chief Brady Ehrhart ’26 was the top H.L. Hall Outstanding Student Journalist in the Tennessee High School Press Association Awards. These were two of 13 awards for the newspaper staff announced at Lipscomb University March 2. English Instructor Ginny McCarley, advisor for the newspaper, announced a recording of THSPA President Jimmy Mccollum presenting Ehrhart’s award during chapel that same day.
“This person singlehandedly composed a 20-page style guide, created new staff positions, and entirely redesigned the paper’s layout. Most significantly, he spearheaded the creation of the first news-affiliated website in school history,” Mccollum said. He also noted that Ehrhart had already received six awards in the competition.
McCarley called the young journalist a “natural-born and compelling leader” who drew a standing-room only crowd of students interested in joining the staff at the start of the school year.
In accepting the honor, Ehrhart thanked his family, Mrs. McCarley, Upper School Head Zach Hansen, and the newspaper staff.
“I walked into a newsroom last June not knowing a single thing about journalism, and now I’m the No. 1 journalist in Tennessee, and I’m going to compete nationally. This is a testament to what you can do here,” he said.
Encouraging his fellow students to follow their passions with excellence, he concluded, “Now let’s go national. In the wise words of GloRilla, ‘I’m from Memphis. What you know about me?’”
He held up the U, and the students roared their approval.
Following are the honors earned by “The Owl’s Hoot” staff (complete state list HERE):
Newspaper/Newsmagazine:
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McCarley called the young journalist a “natural-born and compelling leader” who drew a standing-room only crowd of students interested in joining the staff at the start of the school year.
In accepting the honor, Ehrhart thanked his family, Mrs. McCarley, Upper School Head Zach Hansen, and the newspaper staff.
“I walked into a newsroom last June not knowing a single thing about journalism, and now I’m the No. 1 journalist in Tennessee, and I’m going to compete nationally. This is a testament to what you can do here,” he said.
Encouraging his fellow students to follow their passions with excellence, he concluded, “Now let’s go national. In the wise words of GloRilla, ‘I’m from Memphis. What you know about me?’”
He held up the U, and the students roared their approval.
Following are the honors earned by “The Owl’s Hoot” staff (complete state list HERE):
Newspaper/Newsmagazine:
- Best Overall Newspaper/Newsmagazine, First Place: “The Owl’s Hoot”
- H.L. Hall Outstanding Student Journalist, First Place: Brady Ehrhart ’26
- Best News Story, First Place: “A Face That Defined Generations: Barry Ray’s Portrait Unveiled” by Brady Ehrhart ’26
- Best Sports Story, First Place: “Bear Tracks: Senior Taylor Commits to Belmont University to Pursue D1 Track” by Brady Ehrhart ’26
- Best News/Feature Photograph, First Place: “A Look Back on the Memphis 'No Kings' Protest” by Brady Ehrhart ’26
- Best Front Page Design, First Place: "The Owl’s Hoot" December 2025 Edition
- Best Inside Page Design, First Place: Dec. 2025 Opinion Page
- Best Column, Second Place (tie): “Censorship Along Political Lines: Concerns During a New Age” by Jackson Halpern ’27
- Best Column, Second Place (tie): “Short Form News, Long Term Problems” by Ike Emmert ’27
- Best Sports Photograph, Second Place: “Bear Tracks: Senior Taylor Commits to Belmont University to Pursue D1 Track” by Brady Ehrhart ’26
- Best Illustration/Cartoon, Third Place: “Short Form News, Long Term Problems” by Joseph Zhao ’28
- Best Photo Essay, First Place: “Cultures Showcased at International Fair” by Stephen Mangin ’28 and Brady Ehrhart ’26
- Best Photo Essay, Third Place: “Student Bands and A Capella Perform at Friday Chapel” by Brady Ehrhart ’26
Embracing a Bold Vision. Building a Bright Future.
Memphis University School is a college-preparatory, independent, day school for boys in Grades 6-12.
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