College Station Students Excel with 29 National Awards in Journalism Competitions

College Station Students Shine Bright with National Awards

In a heartwarming showcase of talent, College Station has been buzzing with excitement as student journalists from Texas A&M have recently taken home an impressive array of accolades — 29 awards and 16 honorable mentions — from various national contests. It seems the future of journalism is alive and well, especially here in Aggieland!

A Stellar Year for Student Media

The accolades are nothing short of remarkable when you consider the fierce competition. The Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, and College Media Business Association all challenged student-led publications, but our passionate Aggies rose to the occasion. In total, 29 students from three renowned publications: The Battalion, Maroon Life Magazine, and The Aggieland Yearbook walked away celebrated for their creative, journalistic efforts.

Taking home 11 first-place awards is no easy feat. As Spencer O’Daniel, the associate director of student media, shares, “When you look at our winners from last year and notice we’ve doubled or tripled the total awards, that really shows we’re moving in the right direction.” That’s some serious progress!

Highlighting the Achievements

The Battalion made a substantial mark by receiving 25 accolades alone, which includes a first-place win for the best special section cover and several writing trifectas thanks to students like English senior Charis Adkins. Charis’s compelling column, “A blatant disregard of tradition,” earned her top spots in both individual awards and a drive to voice opinions about A&M traditions.

Isn’t it inspiring to think that the *graceful* words of a student can influence decisions at the university? Charis explains how writing about the committee aiming to revive the Student Bonfire sparked her passion. “I wrote it because I was upset about the proposal, and I love the tradition as it stands.” Her decision to speak out led to an eventual committee change — what a win for student voices!

A New Look and Fresh Ideas

Meanwhile, Maroon Life Magazine is enjoying a transformation, shedding its old skin for a fresh, rectangular magazine design. This change aligns with a new five-member leadership team that’s all about independence and growth. Journalism junior Pranay Dhoopar didn’t come up short in the awards department either, taking home first and second prizes for his creative cover art and engaging sports pages.

In his own words, “The team is motivated to build upon the foundation created before us.” If that doesn’t set the stage for a bright future, I don’t know what does! The magazine delightfully showcases local culture, and with just 400 pages of stories and designs anticipated for the upcoming yearbook, it’s clear enthusiasm is at an all-time high.

Dedication Fuels Success

And let’s not forget The Aggieland Yearbook, which has undergone a rejuvenation with a dedicated team of sixteen inspired editors. Led by journalism senior Cara Hudson, this team is proving that hard work leads to rewards — and they bagged a first-place award for the best yearbook page. Sounds like their dedication is paying off in *spades*!

Rachel Reyes, the Aggieland’s assistant editor-in-chief, emphasizes that dedication is the secret ingredient. “We’re in a good spot to continue growing as a publication, and hopefully, we can win more awards in the future.” With that positive mindset, who wouldn’t want to cheer them on?

What’s Next for Aggie Journalists?

The future appears bright for the journalism students at Texas A&M. With the surge in recognition and the unwavering support of the community, including donations that provide vital resources, these budding journalists are eagerly gearing up for more achievements ahead. So, whether you’re flipping through the pages of The Battalion, absorbing the stunning visuals of Maroon Life Magazine, or reminiscing with The Aggieland Yearbook, remember that every page represents the hard work and passion of these talented Aggies.

As College Station continues to nurture its bright young minds, let’s celebrate their victories and look forward to what’s next on this exciting journey!