Abbi Martzall, SPJ Events Coordinator, 317-920-4791, awards@spj.org
Rachel Semple, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, rsemple@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 4 with 2016 Mark of Excellence Awards winners.

SPJ’s Region 4 comprises Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. Honorees received award certificates the weekend of March 31 at the Region 4 Conference. First-place winners will compete at the national level among other regional MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions.

National winners will be notified in the late spring and will be recognized at the Excellence in Journalism conference in Anaheim, California.

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 8 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact Abbi Martzall via email or phone at 317-920-4791.

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

Art / Graphics
Breaking News Photography (Large)
Winner: People Over Profit - by Andrew Spellman, West Virginia University

Breaking News Photography (Small)
Winner: Protests with police – by Gracey Evans, Park Point University
Finalist: SRU students organize march on campus to support APSCUF - by Rebecca Dietrich, Slippery Rock University

Editorial Cartooning
Winner: Selections from an Extrospective Field Journal – A.J. Newberry, Miami University

Feature Photography (Large)
Winner: Take your puppy to the pool day - by Andrew Spellman, West Virginia University
Finalist: Costa Rica Trip – by Aaron Self, Kent State University
Finalist: Eating Disorders – by Clint Datchuk, Kent State University

Feature Photography (Small)
Winner: BAS hosts Black Arts Festival to celebrate black art and culture - by Kendall Scott, Slipper Rock University
Finalist: Org Wars - by Alex Weber, Cedarville University

General News Photography (Large)
Winner: Day 4 of Cleveland RNC – by Clint Datchuk, Kent State University
Finalist: Love is Love – by Ryan Terhune, Miami University
Finalist: Protestors flock to Trump Jr. rally – by Treasure Roberts, Michigan State University

General News Photography (Small)
Winner: Trump Defies Odds – by Julianne Griffith, Point Park University
Finalist: Sen. Bernie Sanders meets with supporters - by Chloe Jakiela, Point Park University
Finalist: Hillary Clinton Selfie – by Alexander Popichak, Point Park University

Photo Illustration (Large)
Winner: Black Hair Magic – by Amani Williams, Kent State University
Finalist: There's SNOW Stopping Us – by Askar Salikhov, West Virginia University
Finalist: UT vs BG Football photo illustration – by Savannah Joslin, The University of Toledo

Photo Illustration (Small)
Winner: "That's all Folks!" – by Connor Marshman, California University of Pennsylvania
Finalist: "Deathtrap" comes to Cal U Theatre – by Connor Marshman, California University of Pennsylvania
Finalist: "I Do" Doesn't Have to Wait – by Shon Meade, Waynesburg University

Sports Photography (Large)
Winner: Mbball vs. BG – by Clint Datchuk, Kent State University
Finalist: Wrestling – by Clint Datchuk, Kent State University
Finalist: Rockets push past Chips – by Rachel Nearhoof, The University of Toledo

Sports Photography (Small)
Winner: Women’s LAX falls to No. 19 IUP – by Kendall Scott, Slippery Rock University
Finalist: Diving center field catch – by Gracey Evans, Point Park University
Finalist: Rugby Intensity – by Gracey Evans, Point Park University

Magazines
Best Student Magazine
Winner: The Burr – by Staff, Kent State University
Finalist: Backdrop Fall 2016 issue – by Staff, Ohio University
Finalist: Fusion Magazine – by Melinda Stephan, editor, Kieran Bindus, managing editor, Kirsten Sprague, graphic design editor, Maureen Moffitt, graphic design editor, Kent State School of Journalism & Mass Comm.

Non-Fiction Magazine Article
Winner: Gaining Perspective – by Jamie Brian, Kent State University
Finalist: Flowers vs. Guns – by Samantha Ickes, Kent State University
Finalist: Behind his art: Loss and Revival – by Emma Jenkins, Ohio University

Newspapers
Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper
Winner: The Waynesburg University Yellow Jacket – by Kimmi Baston and the Yellow Jacket Staff, Waynesburg University
Finalist: Best All Around Paper – by Central Michigan Life Staff, Central Michigan University
Finalist: The Kent Stater - by Staff, Kent State University

Breaking News Reporting (Large)
Winner: Kesterson lawsuit – by Staff, Kent State University
Finalist: Ohio State community shaken following violent attack on campus – by The Lantern, Ohio State University
Finalist: Conservative speaker lectures on Trump – by Kayla Asbury, West Virginia University

Breaking News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Faculty members begin strike after not reaching a tentative contract – by Dan DiFabio, Slippery Rock University
Finalist: Thomas More women's basketball stripped of 2014-15 title – by Jacob Meyer, Waynesburg University
Finalist: USG Senator Resigns – by Josh Croup, Point Park University

Editorial Writing
Winner: Brandon Ridgely Columns – by Brandon Ridgely, West Virginia University
Finalist: Jambar editorials confront sensitive campus issues that need to be addressed – by The editorial board of The Jambar, Youngstown State University
Finalist: Editorials – by Dominick Mastrangelo, Ben Solis, Central Michigan University

Feature Writing (Large)
Winner: Burton Native Works Magic At Disney Animation – by Danielle Young, Ohio University
Finalist: Five Fashion Friday columns – by Alainia Conrad, West Virginia University
Finalist: Native leaders revitalize tribal culture after generations of abuse – by Malachi Barrett, Central Michigan University

Feature Writing (Small)
Winner: Serving Those with Addiction – by Naomi Harward, Cedarville University
Finalist: Born Out of the Fires of Failure – by Jonathan Gallardo, Cedarville University
Finalist: Hillsdale alumnus inventor of cruise control – by Hannah Niemeier, Hillsdale College

General Column Writing (Large)
Winner: Love, forgiveness and tolerance – by Philemon Abayateye, The University of Toledo
Finalist: CM Life columns – by Sydney Smith, Dominick Masterangelo, Vincent Arandela, Central Michigan University
Finalist: Sketches on Sustainability – by Kyle Hayden, Miami University

General Column Writing (Small)
Winner: Columns by Benjamin Gebhardt – by Benjamin Gebhardt, John Carroll University
Finalist: Columns by Mary Frances McGowan, "McGowan's Manifesto" – by Mary Frances McGowan, John Carroll University
Finalist: Columns by Carly Cundiff – by Carly Cundiff, John Carroll University

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: YSU Struggles With Poor Morale Among Its Professors – by Samantha Phillips, Justin Wier, and Dan Hiner, Youngstown State University
Finalist: Smierciak pleads guilty to assault – by Jack Evans, Ben Blanchard, Miami University Ohio
Finalist: Normalizing relations brings Cuban coffee to U.S., Emily Williams, Miami University

General News Reporting (Small)
Winner: Ongoing Drug Issues Addressed Throughout Community - by Anthony Conn, Teghan Simonton, Mattie Winowitch, Waynesburg University
Finalist: Incoming Freshmen Still Largely Unaware of Housing Policy – by Jacob Meyer, Waynesburg University
Finalist: Shanksville: Stories are shared and respects are paid at Flight 93 Memorial – by Shon Meade, Waynesburg University

In-Depth Reporting (Large)
Winner: Miami University conducts its search for a new president in secret. – by Reis Thebault and Emily Tate, Miami University
Finalist: Professor, Second Class – by Megan Zahneis, Miami University
Finalist: Being Black At YSU – by Justin Wier, Liam Bouquet, and Christina Young, Youngstown State University

In-Depth Reporting (Small)
Winner: Ongoing Drug Issues Addressed Throughout Community - by Anthony Conn, Kimmi Baston, Teghan Simonton, Mattie Winowitch, Waynesburg University
Finalist: IRS form shows administration saw raises amidst freezes in full-time faculty pay – by Iain Oldman, Point Park University
Finalist: Sacrifice: From Service to Citizen - by Anna Dembowski, Cedarville University

Sports Column Writing
Winner: Max Bultman sports columns – by Max Bultman, The University of Michigan
Finalist: Jake Lourim sports columns – by Jake Lourim, University of Michigan
Finalist: David Statman Columns – by David Statman, West Virginia University

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: Review of Big Ten athletic contracts finds team performance valued more than academic performance – by Kevin Stankiewicz, Ohio State University
Finalist: 'That damn game' – by Jake Lourim, University of Michigan
Finalist: Reflections: 50 Years after the Game of the Century – by Stephen Olschanski, Michigan State University

Sports Writing (Small)
Winner: D-III Sports About More than Professional Aspirations, Students Say – by Kimmi Baston, Waynesburg University
Finalist: Thomas More women's basketball stripped of 2014-15 title – by Jacob Meyer, Waynesburg University
Finalist: The Journey of the 2016 Women's Cross Country Team – by Jacob Meyer, Luke Goodling, Waynesburg University

Online
Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: KentWired – by Staff, Kent State University
Finalist: The Online Rocket – by Staff, Slippery Rock University
Finalist: UP Magazine Online Publication – by Kelly Higginson, Blair Donovan, Elizabeth Glover, Madeline Wood, Miami University

Best Digital-Only Student Publication
Winner: The News Political – by Staff of The New Political, Ohio University

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: The New Political – by Staff, Ohio University

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: Lawlor/Hills Players on Rivalry for the Gridiron Classic – by Micah Gerber, Cedarville University
Finalist: Facebook Live: Livestreaming through Social Media – by Aaron Jones; Zach Huffman, executive producer; Crystal Reilly, executive producer, Central Michigan University
Finalist: Cedarville Welcomes Grace Norman Home From Rio – by Micah Gerber, Erica Zichi, Naomi Harward, Alex Weber, Cedarville University

Online Feature Reporting
Winner: Now What? – by Connor Moriarty, Miami University
Finalist: The New Vinyl – by Marie Orttenburger, Kate Habrel, Min Wang, Michigan State University
Finalist: Conservative on Campus – by Hayley Harding, Ohio University

Online In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Ohio Death Penalty Executions Starting Up Again in 2017 – by Mariel Padilla, Miami University
Finalist: Alone and Enslaved: The Human Trafficking Epidemic in the United States - Blair Donovan, Miami University
Finalist: 5 Reasons Treating Opioid Addiction in West Virginia is Harder Than You Think – by Dalia Elsaid, Reed College of Media

Online News Reporting
Winner: OU tears free from Roger E. Ailes’ legacy – by Kat Tenbarge, Ohio University
Finalist: America Made Great Again? – by Kat Tenbarge, Ohio University

Online Opinion & Commentary
Winner: Thunderous Intentions – by Tony Heim, Ohio University
Finalist: Our View: Opinions of The Kent Stater's Editorial Board – by Staff, Kent State University

Online Sports Reporting
Winner: Off The Mound – by Matt Mika, Amelia Havanec, Michigan State University

Radio
Radio Feature
Winner: Modern Day Robin Hood? – by Reis Thebault, Miami University
Finalist: WV Makes – by Rebecca Turnbull, Marshall University
Finalist: One-Room School – by Rebecca Turnbull, Marshall University

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Now What? The Final Column – by Justin Maskulinski, Connor Moriarty, Reis Thebault, Miami University

Radio News Reporting
Winner: Social media political reporting team – by Connor Kurek, Ohio University
Finalist: Mylan EpiPen Protests – by Shayla Klein, West Virginia University

Radio Sports Reporting
Winner: 1970-71 Marshall Football Throwback Helmet – by Luke Creasy, Marshall University
Finalist: Akers Returns – by Adam Rogers, Marshall University
Finalist: A New 99 – by Luke Creasy, Marshall University

Television
Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: WVU News "Special Edition" Heroin and Opioids: When Addiction Hits Home - by Megan Saporito, West Virginia University Reed College of Media
Finalist: Race to the Presidency - 2016 Election Special – by Lantern TV, Ohio State University
Finalist: UT: 10 News – by Devan Lutz, Angelique Baird, University of Toledo

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: Trumping through campus for millennials – by Whitney Burney, Michigan State University
Finalist: Fraternity Student Falls to his Death – by Kristen Tuell, West Virginia University Reed College of Media
Finalist: Ohio State University attack: 11/28/16 – by Lantern TV, Ohio State University

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: "Just a dozen for ya?" – by Daniel Hamburg, Michigan State University
Finalist: "You can make one mistake..." – by Julie Dunmire, Michigan State University
Finalist: "I want to do amazing things" – by Brett Kast, Michigan State University

Television General News Reporting
Winner: Panhandling Problems in Morgantown – by Kristen Tuell, West Virginia University Reed College of Media
Finalist: Heroin in the Mountain State – by Kristen Tuell, West Virginia University Reed College of Media

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: For Sydney's Sake - by Kelsey Banas, Michigan State University
Finalist: LGBTQ Community on CMU's Campus – by Dana Whyte, reporter; Rachael Schuit, anchor; Geneva Bass, producer; Crystal Reilly, executive produce, Central Michigan University
Finalist: "I have nine cats..." – by Julie Dunmire, Eva Nienhouse, Michigan State University

Television News and Feature Photography
Winner: "Just a dozen for ya?" – by Daniel Hamburg, Michigan State University
Finalist: Two Offices, One Mission – by Micaela Colonna, Michigan State University
Finalist: "I'm just going to have to get home somehow" – by Micaela Colonna, Michigan State University

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: WVU Players in the NFL – by Reghan Bailey, West Virginia University Reed College of Media
Finalist: Islamic Faith and Being an Athlete – by Jordan Crammer, West Virginia University Reed College of Media
Finalist: Bridging Differences for a Cause – by Matt Mika, Michigan State University

Television Sports Photography
Winner: "Everyone Deserves a Chance" – by Focal Point, Michigan State University
Finalist: The Mountaineers Look for Respect in the Big Twelve – by Nikki Kaye, West Virginia University Reed College of Media
Finalist: A Second Chance at Football – by Ashley Rogers, West Virginia University Reed College of Media

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 Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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