At the 31st Annual ACP (Associated Collegiate Press) National Journalism Convention, Stetson University’s Reporter won the 3rd place Best in Show award in the “Four-Year Less Than Weekly” award category.

Any newspaper staff that was in attendance at the National Journalism Convention in Los Angeles, Ca., could submit their publication into the contest. As their website explains, the contest had a total of 143 entries overall, which was almost 50 more than last year. In the “Four-Year Less Than Weekly” category alone, it was possible to place up to tenth place.

After spending 30+ hours weekly on this publication with editing periods that can take up to 12 hours each, Stetson University senior and editor-in-chief, Katie Dezes was grateful for the recognition The Reporter received. “Obviously, none of this would have been possible without my staff,” Dezes said. “We did it as a team, and I’m really proud of everyone.

“The Reporter has received its fair share of criticism. That is why this award means so much to us. It affirms that all of the hard work we have put into the paper this year is starting to pay off; people are beginning to notice a change and are responding differently,” Dezes said.

“Andy Dehnart, our faculty advisor, said he can’t remember the paper winning a Best in Show award at a national conference recently, if ever,” Dezes said. “Knowing that I helped make that a reality for The Reporter is what makes this award so special to me.”

“It’s terrific to see The Reporter staff nationally recognized for their work,” said Dehnart, assistant professor of Journalism. “One hundred percent of Stetson’s student media is created by students, and producing a biweekly print newspaper and web site is not easy. To do so with ‘excellence,’ as the award states, is especially impressive, and I’m quite proud of Katie and her team for all they’ve done so far this year.”

“We still have a long way to go to get to where I think The Reporter wants to be,” said Dezes. “The paper has improved a lot this year, but there is still a lot to do. I’m just happy I was able to play a part in starting that progress. I can’t wait to see what next year’s staff will create!”

Visit Best of Show winners to see more information about this award and who the other winners are in the 31st Annual ACP National College Journalism Convention. (http://2015.acpjournalismconvention.org/best-of-show-winners-announced/)

by Grace Aguda