Region 4 Mark of Excellence Awards 2023 winners announced

CONTACT:

Lou Harry, SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards, lharry@spj.org
Kimberly Tsuyuki, SPJ Communications Specialist, ktsuyuki@hq.spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 4 with 2023 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.

SPJ’s Region 4 comprises Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring.

MOE Awards entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. Judges were directed to choose entries they felt were among the best in student journalism. If no entry rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, including both graduate and undergraduate: Large schools have at least 10,000 students and small schools have 9,999 or fewer students.

The list below details all Region 4 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact SPJ Manager of Publications and Awards Lou Harry by email.

This list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award entries.

Print/Online

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: OPD use of force investigation — by Sean Scott, Alice Momany, The Miami Student, Miami University

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Federal work study program to end between March 19 and April 1 — by Erin Yudt, The Globe, Point Park University

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: In East Palestine, life inches towards normal — by Morgan Schneider, Oxford Stories on Medium, Miami University
Finalist: Working nine-to-life — by Brody Serravalli, The Lantern, The Ohio State University
Finalist: Examining Miami's drinking culture — by Evan Stefanik, The Miami Student, Miami University

General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Crossroad ministries bring hope to residents of Xenia nursing home — by Avonlea Brown, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: Firearm found in Dolan Hall before Thanksgiving break, investigation under way — by Laken Kincaid, The Carroll News, John Carroll University

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: The cost of convenience — by Ryan Maxin, The Post, Ohio University
Finalist: ‘This is absolutely heartbreaking’: Miami considers eliminating majors in the humanities — by Kasey Turman, Taylor Stumbaugh, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Path to the Oval Office: is Carter qualified? — by Phoebe Helms, Josie Stewart, The Lantern, The Ohio State University

In-Depth Reporting (Small)
Winner: Interim president Chris Brussalis appointed ninth university president — by Jake Dabkowski, Erin Yudt, The Globe, Point Park University
Finalist: Life on the Great Lakes — by Heidie Senseman, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: Thrifting a way of life — by Maggie Fipps, Chloe Smith, Cedars, Cedarville University

Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: Miami ... merged — by Lily Wahl, Taylor Stumbaugh, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Airy v. Ohio U: How mental health crises are dealt with at Ohio U — by Madeline Harden, The New Political, Ohio University
Finalist: Love birds, peony fields and chocolate hearts: Two professors’ marriage story — by Ryann Beaschler, The Miami Student, Miami University

Feature Writing (Small)
Winner: One and only RandyLand — by Mackenzie Phillips, Off the Bluff Magazine, Duquesne University
Finalist: Christians confront the possibilities and impossibilities of AI — by Alan Brads, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: Trundle Manor's 'Addams Family' — by Megan Trotter, Off the Bluff, Duquesne University

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: Ryland Zaborowski doesn’t let autism stop him from crushing baseballs — by Jack Schmelzinger, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Jonathan Smith preparing to build a new life, culture with Michigan State football — by Colby Schikora, Spartan Sports Report, Michigan State University
Finalist: Women's Basketball: Ticket office registers highest numbers in six years — by Jayla Vanhorn, The Lantern, The Ohio State University

Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: Born to Win: Addy Miller looks to continue impressive coaching career at Cedarville — by Julia Swain, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: Freshman point guard Ethan Sellars finds fulfillment off the basketball court — by Alan Brads, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: Ethan Cunningham tumbles his way onto Cedarville cheer — by Maggie Fipps, Cedars, Cedarville University

Editorial/Opinion Writing
Winner: Let's talk about methane — by Ava Kalina, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Columns — by Isabella Zinchini, The News Record, University of Cincinnati
Finalist: Commentary — by Virginia Doherty, KentWired.com/The Kent Stater, Kent State University

General Column Writing
Winner: Metal Mondays — by Jackson McCoy, The Post, Ohio University

Sports Column Writing
Winner: SportsMonday Columns — by Nicholas Stoll, Paul Nasr, Connor Earegood, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Large)
Winner: The Miami Student — by Staff, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: The Michigan Daily — by Staff, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan
Finalist: The Post — by Staff, The Post, Ohio University

Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Student Newspaper (Small)
Winner: The Exponent — by The Exponent, The Exponent, Baldwin Wallace University

Best Ongoing Student Magazine
Winner: The Burr — by Staff, The Burr, Kent State University
Finalist: Rhythm — by Staff, UP Magazine, Miami University
Finalist: Thread Magazine — by Staff, Thread Magazine, Ohio University

Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: The Post — by Staff, The Post, Ohio University
Finalist: newsrecord.org — by Staff, The News Record, University of Cincinnati
Finalist: The Miami Student website — by Staff, The Miami Student, Miami University

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: The Michigan Daily — by Staff, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan

Art/Graphics/Multimedia

Breaking News Photography
Winner: UC students hold protest in support of Palestine — by Frank Bowen, Skylinn Jenkins, The News Record, University of Cincinnati
Finalist: Notorious party bus 'Cabbie D' struck on E 116th Street and Shaker Boulevard — by Nick Sack, The Carroll News, John Carroll University

General News Photography
Winner: Hundreds of UMich students walk out for Palestine — by Jeremy Weine, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan

Photo Essay/Slideshow
Winner: Walter E Havighurst special collections — by Sarah Frosch, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Spiritual awakening — by Logan Howard, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: The Driver Era and Almost Monday concert — by Zoe Cranfill, The Post, Ohio University

Illustration
Winner: The latest buzz: UMich designated bee-friendly campus — by Abby Schreck, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan

Sports Photography
Winner: Talawanda Track & Field sprints toward SWOC tournament — by Pearl Zajbel, Oxford Observer, Miami University
Finalist: Miami brings home Victory Bell for the first time since 2005 — by Jessica Monahan, The Miami Student, Miami University

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: Big, blank walls': Oxford’s hidden vibrance — by Ryann Beaschler, Medium.com, Miami University
Finalist: The Black hair series — by Udoka Nwansi, Karis Clark, Akash Dewan, Eric Lau, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan
Finalist: The complexities and costs of an insured life — by Jessica Opfer, Medium.com, Miami University

News Videography
Winner: Elliv: Illuminate was a Hit!! — by Ian Chan, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: A fun-filled card game encourages spiritual growth in its players — by JosephineSchmidt-Krayer, Cedars, Cedarville University
Finalist: K9s at the Ville presents: Valentine’s Puppy Party — by Julia Mumford, Cedars, Cedarville University

Feature Videography
Winner: Serving others: The Cedarville fire department in action — by Josephine Schmidt-Krayer, Cedars, Cedarville University

Data Visualization
Winner: Maps: See how Butler County turned out for Issues 1 and 2 — by Sean Scott, Luke Macy, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: UMich class of 2027 by the numbers: Diets, dorms and data — by Irena Li, Joey Lin, The Michigan Daily, University of Michigan

Audio

Radio News Reporting
Winner: Some parts of Rural Ohio lack maternal care. Can midwives help? — by Jenna Bal, Ideastream Public Media, Kent State University
Finalist: Solidarity rally — by John Boggess, WMUL-FM, Marshall University

Radio Feature
Winner: Pumpkin house — by Luke Hamilton, WMUL-FM, Marshall University
Finalist: Heights Now: Meet the man who 'makes them pay' — by Laken Kincaid, Nick Sack, Evan Richwalsky, WJCU, John Carroll University
Finalist: Outside looking in — by Nate Harrah, WMUL-FM, Marshall University

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Winner: In the aftermath of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment — by Grace Springer, Sophia Lucente, Collaborative News Lab, Kent State University
Finalist: Abby Herring first female runner to qualify for Nationals — by Ben Anderson, WMUL-FM, Marshall University

Radio Sports Reporting
Winner: End of season for the Herd and other reports — by John Boggess, WMUL, Marshall University

Best All-Around Radio Newscast
Winner: Newscenter 88 — by Staff, WMUL, Marshall University

Podcast (Conversational)
Winner: What happens on court stays on court — by Hannah Campbell, Tate Raub, The Post, Ohio University
Finalist: People and Policies — by Raquel Hirsch, Olivia Patel, The Miami Student, Miami University

Broadcast

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: Campus Carry bill just passed — by Aaron Dickens, WVU News, West Virginia University

Television General News Reporting
Winner: WVU News - Cutting the cost of diabetes drugs — by Lara Bonatesta, WVU News, West Virginia University
Finalist: Vaping in the Mountain State — by Kaeli Ricottilli, WVU News, West Virginia University
Finalist: Candlelight vigil — by Mackenize Dekker, Focal Point News, Michigan State University

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: Athens farmer defies stereotypes — by Morgan Anderson, WOUB Public Media, Ohio University
Finalist: Forest of decisions — by Ethan Hunter, Focal Point News, Michigan State University
Finalist: Ramadan in our community — by Kaeli Ricottilli, WVU News, West Virginia University

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Akron nonprofit turns Metro bus into ‘Carvan of Love’ — by Alexandra Manthey, KentWired.com/TV2, Kent State University
Finalist: Drug court program — by Lara Bonatesta, WVU News, West Virginia University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: Mountaineer Playbook: Bridge Day — by Elizabeth Carey, Mountaineer Playbook, West Virginia University
Finalist: Mountaineer Playbook: Esports — by Riley McIlmoyle, Mountaineer Playbook, West Virginia University
Finalist: Take Me Home Country Roads — by Sean Lowdermilk, WVU News, West Virginia University

Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: TV2 News for Dec. 7, 2023 — by Staff, KentWired.com/TV2, Kent State University

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Winner: WVU News — by Staff, WVU News, West Virginia University

All Platform

Campus Reporting
Winner: Cultural diversity in Miami performing groups and other columns — by Sean Scott, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Miami University: The kingdom of air purifiers? — by Anastasija Mladenovska, The Miami Student, Miami University

Cultural Criticism
Winner: Literary reviews — by Lily Wahl, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Film Reviews — by Luke Macy, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: Critiques on film and television — by Stella Powers, The Miami Student, Miami University

Food/Restaurant Journalism
Winner: We can't cook — by Sean Scott, Devin Ankeney, The Miami Student, Miami University

Regional Political Reporting
Winner: How will SB83 impact DEI initiatives at John Carroll University? — by Laken Kincaid, The Carroll News, John Carroll University

Science/Environment/Climate Reporting
Winner: Saving balloons worth of money with helium reclamation — by Austin Smith, The Miami Student, Miami University
Finalist: ‘Pretty pest’: The invasive species taking over the Midwest — by Alton Northup, The Kent Stater/KentWired, Kent State University
Finalist: Local voices spread secondhand love — by Sarah Kennel, The Miami Student, Miami University

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.

Register Today - SPJ Region 4 and Region 5 Conference 2024 - April 12 and 13 in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky

 

Join Us on April 12 and 13 - 2024 SPJ Region 4 and Region 5 Conference

 

Reminder - Call for Entries - Cincy SPJ Contest 2024

 

2024

GREATER CINCINNATI SPJ PRO CHAPTER

EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM CONTEST

CALL FOR ENTRIES 

DEADLINE:

11:59 P.M. - MARCH 15, 2024

The Greater Cincinnati Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

is looking for the most outstanding work appearing in print, online and on-air between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, in Southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati & Dayton markets), Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. 

The Excellence In Journalism Contest is a way for publishers, editors, reporters, producers, freelancers, college and university students, photographers and videographers to promote excellence in journalism by showcasing work that informs and enlightens the public with professionalism, truth, integrity and ethics. 

Entries must be submitted by a recognized news organization or individual based in Greater Cincinnati or Greater Dayton. National or regional news organizations may enter, but the contest will only accept submissions focusing on people and events from those two regions.

For a list of categories and more details on how to enter, go to: https://cincyspj.blogspot.com/2024/01/call-for-entries-now-open-greater.html

SPJ Region 4 and Region 5 Conference 2024 - April 12 and April 13 in Cincinnati/NKY

Please join us for the 2024 SPJ Region 4 and 5 Conference

Reconnect with colleagues and attend cutting-edge panel discussions that cover a variety of topics -- from the latest technology and tools for journalists and working in a newsroom today to sharpening your skills, and more.

SPJ Region 4 and Region 5 Conference

Fri., April 12 and Sat., April 13, 2024

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) - Griffin Hall 500 Louie B. Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099 with a Friday night opening reception at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Plum Street, Cincinnati, OH 45201 (downtown Cincinnati.)

Wonder where the future of journalism is headed? What are the latest tools that will help you capture stories? How will journalists thrive in the future? These are only a few of the topics we’ll cover during the Society of Professional Journalists Region 4 and 5 Conference on Fri., Apr. 12 and Sat., Apr. 13, 2024. The event will also recognize some of the best work from students at an afternoon MOE Awards celebration on Saturday.

2024 SPJ Region 4 and Region 5 Conference

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky
April 12-13, 2024

Schedule:

Friday, April 12
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Opening reception, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Plum St., Cincinnati, OH 45201

·       Beryl Love, executive editor, Cincinnati Enquirer

Saturday, April 13
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Griffin Hall at Northern Kentucky University,  500 Louie B Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, Kentucky, 41099.

8:30-9:15 a.m. – Breakfast – sponsored by E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University

9:15-9:30 a.m. – Welcome and opening remarks

Region 4 Director Ginny McCabe and Region 5 Director Nicole DeCriscio 

• SPJ President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, via video

9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – Super Session

What’s Ahead for the Future of the Industry: Clicks are king, revenue is soft, layoffs and consolidation continue. What buoys and dashes the hopes of top news managers in 2024?

          Featured speakers/panelists include

• Beryl Love, executive editor, Cincinnati Enquirer
• Kyle Nagel, editor, Dayton Daily News
• Maryanne Zeleznik, news director, Cincinnati NPR affiliate WVXU-FM
• Jeff Brogan, Vice-President/General Manager, WCPO-TV
• Tim Geraghty, News Director WKRC-TV
• Moderator - Duane Pohlman, WKRC-TV

10:45-11:45 a.m. Concurrent Session I

Covering Trans Issues:  Ohio lawmakers have lots of opinions about trans kids. And lots of ideas about what laws should apply to them.

Pike County Murders: Ohio media will be back on the state’s largest mass murder story this spring with another trial in the 2016 eight-victim case from Pike County. Daily media find themselves up against documentary makers.

Noon-1 p.m.: Lunch with Keynote:

SPJ executive director remarks

• Beryl Love to introduce keynoter and provide an overview of Gannett’s “Kids Behind Bars.”
• Laura Bischoff on “Kids Behind Bars,” Gannett’s investigation into horrific outcomes in Ohio’s four juvenile jail institutions.
• Patti Newberry will serve as coordinator.

1:15-2:15 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions II

Sports of All Sorts: In markets with popular college or professional teams, sports always used to get the clicks. This panel explores why that’s still the case for print/online reporters, but less true these days for TV stations.

• Melanie Laughman, Cincinnati Enquirer and more
• Moderator: Perry Farrell, Wayne State University, Detroit

Food for All: The art of review is in steep decline – except when it comes to food. In Detroit, Lyndsay Green was a 2023 Pulitzer finalist. In Cincinnati Keith Pandolfi carries on the tradition of high-level food writing. Here more on the topic and why food continues to be popular.

• Cincinnati magazine food critic Brandon Wusk

·        Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer

• Moderator: Marty Fischhoff, Detroit Public Television

Grant Writing: A how-to workshop for journalists on writing grants. Find out tips and what it takes to draft a grant proposal.

·        Nicole DeCriscio

2:30-3:30 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions III

Politics and Ethics: How do the hot election stories of 2024 test journalists’ ethics? We’ll look to the SPJ Code of Ethics for examples of stories that challenge journalists to stay on the straight and narrow.

          Speakers/panelists will include:

·        Howard Wilkinson, Becca Costello, WVXU political reporters; Laura Bischoff, Gannett; and more

• Moderator: Tom McKee

Non-Profit News: What’s new in the non-profit news ecosystem as they aim to fill the Region 4-5 news deserts.

·        Nicole DeCriscio, The Owen News Project, Founder and others

3:30-4:30 p.m. – Saturday will conclude with the MOE Awards celebration.

*Note: final schedule is subject to change. 

Get tickets for the conference here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spj-regional-conference-2024-region-4-and-5-at-nku-griffin-hall-tickets-850327130337?aff=oddtdtcreator

HOTEL INFO:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rivercenter.

Attendees can reserve rooms within the room block using your exclusive group rate of $179

Attendee website: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/cincinnatisocietyprofessionaljournalists91o/

Group Name: Greater Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists

Group Code: 91O

Central Reservations Number: 866.344.7548

RESERVATION DEADLINE is Friday, March 22nd @11:59:59 PM.

Holiday Inn - Cincinnati Riverfront

Rate $119 - check in April 12 and check out April 13

Click the link to start bookng. The deadline to reserve a room is Mar. 29.