FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Abbi Martzall, SPJ Awards Coordinator, 317-920-4791, awards@spj.org
Maggie LaMar, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, mlamar@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the 2015 Mark of Excellence Awards winners from Region 8. The MOE Awards honor the best of collegiate journalism from a calendar year.

SPJ’s Region 8 comprises Oklahoma and Texas. Honorees received award certificates the weekend of March 19 at the Region 8 Spring Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. First-place winners will move on to the national MOE competition among category winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring and will be recognized at Excellence in Journalism 2016 (EIJ16) in New Orleans, Sept. 18-20.

Entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. The awards honor the best in student journalism. As such, judges were directed to choose only those entries they felt were outstanding work worthy of such an honor. If the judges determined that none of the entries rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

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

See the list below for details on the Region 8 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, please email Awards Coordinator Abbi Martzall or call her at 317-920-4791.

Note: The list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award-entry process.

Art / Graphics
Breaking News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Donald Trump in Dallas - by Cody Bahn, University of Texas Arlington
Finalist: Above: Police officers (local pilot killed) - by Emily de Santos, Texas Tech University

Editorial Cartooning
Winner: First Amendment; Ban the box; Safety fears - by Amanda Boyd, Tarrant County College
Finalist: Asher Freeman Murphy portfolio - by Asher Freeman Murphy, Baylor University
Finalist: Trumping the polls; The great awokening; Who should be on the $10 bill? - by Hunter Tanem, The University of Texas at Austin

Feature Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Festival of Colors - by Richard Hoang, University of Texas Arlington
Finalist: Running for a cause, One good dead gives rise to another, Not all goals have a finish line - by Daniel Carde, San Antonio College
Finalist: A labour of love - by Trey Honeycutt, Baylor University

Feature Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: 66th Annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo - by Alejandra Sol Casas, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, CEAC 320
Finalist: Trinity frisbee - by Sarah Thorne, Trinity University
Finalist: Zombie walk - by Ami Sarabia, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, CEAC 320

General News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Candlelight vigil honors student - by Richard Hoang, University of Texas Arlington
Finalist: Finding warmth, keeping hope in cold - by John Muguerza, Del Mar College
Finalist: Crawling to victory - by Richard Hirst, Baylor University


Photo Illustration (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: One bloody weekend - by Richard Hirst, Baylor University
Finalist: Telling a Storey - by Elizabeth Campbell, Texas Christian University

Photo Illustration (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: OLLU Lake front cover - Campus gun control - by J.C. Wolsllager, Our Lady of the Lake University
Finalist: Jaguar style: Spring Commencement 2015 - by Ingrid Wilgen, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, CEAC 320
Finalist: OLLU Lake front cover - Paris is at war - by J.C. Wollslager, Our Lady of the Lake University


Sports Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Baseball chase - by James Hartley, Eastfield College
Finalist: Memphis Tigers vs Houston Cougars - by Matt Flora, University of Houston
Finalist: Horse collar penalty - by Sarah Pyo, Baylor University

Magazines
Best Student Magazine
Winner: Mayborn Magazine - by Staff of the Mayborn Magazine, University of North Texas
Finalist: Focus Magazine, Spring 2015 - by Focus Magazine staff, Baylor University
Finalist: Image Magazine - by Staff, Texas Christian University

Non-Fiction Magazine Article
Winner: American writer - by Clinton Crockett Peters, University of North Texas
Finalist: Family guy - by Michele Leone, University of North Texas
Finalist: Lessons in the art of hanging out - by Nathan D. Battaglia, University of North Texas

Newspapers
Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper
Winner: The Oklahoma Daily - by The Oklahoma Daily, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: The Daily Toreador - by Staff, Texas Tech University
Finalist: The Baylor Lariat 2015: March 6, Oct. 9, Dec. 4 - by Lariat Staff, Baylor University

Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper
Winner: The Lake Front - by The Lake Front Staff, Our Lady of the Lake University
Finalist: The Collegian - by The Collegian staff, Tarrant County College
Finalist: The Cougar - by Glissette Santana, Monica Rojas, Sean Alder, University of Houston

Breaking News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Cosby degree pulled - by Taylor Griffin, Trey Gregory, Baylor University
Finalist: Donald Trump rally and protest coverage - by Kathryn Cargo, Dylan Bradley, Matt Fulkerson, University of Texas Arlington
Finalist: Record flooding displaces residents, destroys property - by Jon Wilcox, Texas State University

Breaking News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: OBU nursing students serve as first responders at car accident - by Emma Patton, Katherine Gilbert, Oklahoma Baptist University
Finalist: Car crash kills - by Luke Wise, Faith Ozer, Trinity University
Finalist: President election escalates - by Alyssa Sperrazza, Katherine Gilbert, Oklahoma Baptist University

Editorial Writing
Winner: The University Star stands with Planned Parenthood - by The University Star Staff The University Star Staff The University Star Staff, Texas State University
Finalist: 1)Transparency award ironic 2)Really about trust, Dr. Leslie? 3)New ID cards no benefit to students - by Pam Paz, Cynthia Herrera, San Antonio College
Finalist: Guns on campus, Deregistration, Security polls bring peace of mind - by Rambler Editorial Board, Texas Wesleyan University

Feature Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Living his dream - by Quixem Ramirez, Texas State University
Finalist: Theatre student finds courage and strength on road to recovery - by Jim North, Tulsa Community College
Finalist: Paris attack won't cut student's trip short - by Sorayah Zahir, University of Texas Arlington

Feature Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: Giving up perfect - by Linsey Thut, Abilene Christian University
Finalist: Wine in Oklahoma? Well, with a little frontier grit - by Kyle Walker, The University of Tulsa
Finalist: Veteran puts his spin on tornadoes - by Brianna Kessler, Texas Wesleyan University

General Column Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Eastfield general column writing - by Mayra Rosales Montoya; Aisha Davis; Courtney Schwing, Eastfield College
Finalist: Stigmas, violence & feminism - by Rae Jefferson, Shehan Jeyarajah, Baylor University
Finalist: ‘Healthy at every size’ movement spreads unhealthy mindset - by Madison Teague Brandon Sams Monique Guerrero, Texas State University

General Column Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: The Contrarian - by Nikita Chirkov, Trinity University
Finalist: A&E Perez - by Paige Perez, Trinity University

General News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: A&M won’t discuss animal lab tests - by Nicole Cobler, University of Texas at Austin
Finalist: Graham Dickie's entry - by Graham Dickie, University of Texas at Austin






General News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: TU suspended student without hearing, failed to present evidence to accused - by Kyle Walker, Conor Fellin, The University of Tulsa
Finalist: Around the clock controversy - by Jessica Luhrman, Trinity University
Finalist: Rosaria Butterfield gives talk amid student protest - by Kayleigh Thesenvitz, Brennen VanderVeen, The University of Tulsa

In-Depth Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Two days of mental health coverage - by Staff, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Infrastructure series - by Contributing Writers: Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism, University of North Texas, University of North Texas
Finalist: Presidential election issue - by James Hartley; David Silva; Juanita Hernandez , Eastfield College

In-Depth Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: With DACA, fewer Oklahomans fear deportation - by Nikki Hager, The University of Tulsa

Sports Column Writing
Winner: Lunch with Coach Fran - by Quixem Ramirez, Texas State University
Finalist: Candidates take the field, Bringing pride to Cardinal nation, Questioning journalism ethics - by Grant Crawford and Lane Fortenberry, Lamar University
Finalist: The bleacher creature - by Jesse Keipp, The University of Tulsa

Sports Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Risk vs. reward - by Lane Fortenberry, Lamar University
Finalist: Living his dream - by Quixem Ramirez, Texas State University
Finalist: SAE-football - by Brady Vardeman, University of Oklahoma

Sports Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: Tennis returns to Wesleyan - by Michael Acosta, Texas Wesleyan University
Finalist: Battle of the bison: OBU loses in OT - by Adam Ewing, Katherine Gilbert, Oklahoma Baptist University

Online
Best Affiliated Website
Winner: www.theshorthorn.com - by Staff, University of Texas Arlington
Finalist: www.therambler.org - by Staff, Texas Wesleyan University
Finalist: The Oklahoma Daily - by Staff, University of Oklahoma

Best Digital-Only Student Publication
Winner: The Hub@TTU - by Sarah Self-Walbrick, Alicia Keene, Texas Tech University

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: The Hub@TTU - by Sarah Self-Walbrick, Alicia Keene , Texas Tech University

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: West Texas water issues - by Sarah Self-Walbrick, Nicole Molter, Kaitlin Thogmartin, Anibal Galindo, Texas Tech University
Finalist: Surviving the attacks on Paris - by Sorayah Zahir, University of Texas Arlington
Finalist: Dmitri Nelson fights for transgender issues - by Valerie Spears, Texas Wesleyan University

Online Feature Reporting
Winner: The Land of royal honey / The Beekeeper - by Danielle Garcia, Tyler Cleveland, Laura Jarriel, University of North Texas
Finalist: Loud Austin: The live music capital with a loud music problem - by Becky Larson, Texas State University
Finalist: Left behind - by Tyler Cleveland, University of North Texas

Online In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Heart of Mexico: Migrant dreams - by Heart of Mexico Team Project Directors: Thorne Anderson & Lenin Martell, University of North Texas
Finalist: A racial divide in Texas - by University of Texas at Austin 2015 Investigative Reporting Class, The University of Texas at Austin
Finalist: Resetting the table - by Janette Quezada, Mario Montalvo, Samantha Calimbahin, Texas Christian University

Online News Reporting
Winner: SAE racist chant - by Staff, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Does towing make you trucking mad? - by Breann Robinson, Texas Tech University
Finalist: Where did the vending machines go? - by Maddy McCarty, Texas Tech University

Online Sports Reporting
Winner: Orange Bowl: OU v. Clemson - by Sports Staff, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Baylor loses Cotton Bowl - by Shehan Jeyarajah, Baylor University
Finalist: Pirates steal one form the Rangers in nail-biter, 70-68 - by David E. Guel, San Antonio College

Radio Broadcast
Best All-Around Radio Newscast
Winner: KTSW Newscast - November 5, 2015 - by Matthew Hamill, Texas State University
Finalist: KTSW Noon Newscast - November 21, 2015 - by Laura Aebi, Texas State University

Radio News Reporting
Winner: On Indigenous Peoples' Day Oklahoma native student reflect on heritage - by Sarah Hurd, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: A new day in Texas - by Sarah Duran, Texas State University

Radio Sports Reporting
Winner: KWTS Weekly Sports Update - Volleyball - by Anthony Miller & Payton Northrup, West Texas A&M University
Finalist: KWTS Weekly Sports Update - WT Bowling - by Malcolm Montgomery & Payton Northrup, West Texas A&M University

Television Broadcast
Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: OU Nightly - by Jennifer Sellers, Maci Smith, Courtney Woltjen, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: ntTV Nightly News - by Blane Skiles, News Director Jessica Connally, Assistant News Director ntTV Crew, University of North Texas
Finalist: TCU News Now - by Staff, Texas Christian University

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: University of Houston fraternity suspended on allegations of hazing - by Lakaya Williams, University of Houston
Finalist: Biker rally cut short due to bomb threat - by Jessica Babb, Thomas Mott, Baylor University
Finalist: Turner celebrates mayoral election results - by Marco Revuelta, University of Houston

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: Racquetball professor - by Evan Watson, Texas Christian University
Finalist: Baylor spirit squads - by Jessica Babb, Baylor University
Finalist: The Lake Front Entertainment October 30, 2015 - by J.C. Wollslager, Our Lady of the Lake University

Television General News Reporting
Winner: FDA to ease ban on gay men giving blood - by Lakaya Williams, University of Houston
Finalist: Houston honors Charlie Hebdo victims - by Marco Revuelta, University of Houston
Finalist: Student in Paris - by Kaitlin White, Texas Christian University

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Routes TV: Oklahoma's black roots - by Nick Jules, Trevor Slack, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Faithfully gay - by Lena Blietz, Shannon McLaughlin, Jordan Ray, Texas Christian University

Television Sports Photography
Winner: Kicker makes history - by Joey McReynolds, Texas Christian University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: Sooner sports pad - by Blakely Durham, Courtney Woltjen, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Jordan Evans: Hometown hero - by Jstyn Strain, University of Oklahoma
Finalist: Stoops' kids - by Christina DeVincenzo, University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit www.spj.org.

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