By Joshua Knopp/managing editor
TCC publications won top recognition in two recent competitions.
In addition to a number of individual awards, The Collegian won first in overall excellence for both print and online editions at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention April 2 and the Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 conference April 9 in Oklahoma.
The Compass, SE’s literary journal, also received awards from TIPA.
The paper picked up first place in page one design and opinion/editorial page design, second place in the on-site Best in Show competition, honorable mention for best online community engagement and best website navigation. The paper also won the sweepstakes award. Most awards were in a division containing weekly newspapers from the largest two-year and four-year schools while the online awards were against all colleges in Texas.
“I’d attribute it [the success] to the level of professionalism that we’re held to,” said photo editor Casey Holder, “and the amount of accountability that our advisers hold us to.”
In addition to winning first place in the feature photo contest for his photographs of an area parkour team, Holder garnered photojournalist of the year honors in the award’s inaugural year.
“[It’s] kind of overwhelming,” he said. “But it’s a huge honor, and it’s good to know that someone is paying attention to all the hard work.”
Editor-in-chief Shelly Williams also won multiple awards, including second in general column, third in editorial writing and news writing, and received an honorable mention for her feature on cutting.
“A lot of it is just I have a very awesome staff to work with, and I couldn’t have done it without the help from them,” she said. “But the other half of that is paying attention to the world around me and keeping my ears open.”
Collegian staff members won a list of other awards, as well. NW news editor Bethany Peterson won first place in feature writing for her story on a TCC veteran, feature editor Marley Malenfant won third in sports column writing, photographers Jim Birmingham and Mackenzie Ashton won third and honorable mention, respectively, in sports photography, and former managing editor Colt Langley received honorable mention in in-depth reporting for a story on K-2. Malenfant, former reporter Sandy Hill and former managing editor Edna Horton also won best video package for their video of an African drum circle.
The Compass was awarded third in overall excellence and received honorable mention in cover design.
“This is the first time we’ve had an arts magazine on SE Campus since 1999, so, of course, we’re thrilled for that kind of recognition,” said Pennie Boyett, The Compass’ adviser. “We’re working on the 2011 edition of The Compass and realize that we’ve set the bar pretty high.”
Multiple Collegian staff members were also finalists for the Region 8 Mark of Excellence, awarded by SPJ April 9. Every finalist placed first, except for staff members who were pitted against themselves or another staff member.
Holder received first for general news photography and first and second for feature photography. Williams received first in general column writing, first in general news reporting and first in editorial reporting along with current managing editor Joshua Knopp.
Malenfant placed first in sports writing and sports column. Ashton and Birmingham placed first and second, respectively, in sports photography while former editorial cartoonist Nate Woeber received first in editorial cartooning.
All first-place entries are now in competition for national awards with first-place winners from the other 11 regions. Results will come in the fall.
“These students work very hard and give up a lot of their time to produce a product that TCC students can be proud of,” Collegian adviser Chris Whitley said. “I’m very proud of this group.”
