The weekly student-run newspaper at Grambling State University continued to excel to new heights over the weekend. The Gramblinite won four awards at the Southeastern Journalism Conference.
SEJC held annual conference and workshop in Atlanta. The organization of journalist seeks to craft journalists through professional development and collegiate journalism competitions.
This journalist community consists of over 45 collegiate institutions in seven southern states.
Of the awards The Gramblinite collected, this year the publication was ranked fourth in “Best Newspaper.”
Also some staff members received individual honors. Graduate student from Houston, Diana Sepulveda, was ranked first in the SEJC for “Best Sports Writer.”
“It really didn’t hit me until I looked over the comments from the judges,” said Sepulveda, The Gramblinite’s special corespondent.
SEJC judges took special notice on her ability to research the story, get accurate information and use multiple sources.
Sepulveda said this is not only good for her, but the university as a whole.
“It helps the university receive positive exposure,” she said. “I know at times HBCUs don’t receive recognition and I hope this award shows that HBCUs are capable of producing talent.”
The Gramblinite’s Editor-in-Chief Tierra Smith took home eighth for “Best News Writer” and Nobel Michael tied at seventh for “Best News-Editorial Artist/Illustrator.”
Judges took special notice on the paper’s creative layouts, consistent style, and willingness to air both sides of a story.
“We strive to teach students to give the fair sides of the story,” said Wanda Peters, the Director of The Gramblinite. “Its always good to see their work recognized.” Grambling State University was one the founding schools of the SEJC in 1987 and have been contributing to the conference ever since.