SRU’s independent student newspaper captures press awards

Feb. 25, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's independent, student-run newspaper, The Rocket, has captured 12 Student Keystone Press Awards, it was announced by the Pennsylvania News Media Association.

The Student Keystone Press Awards recognize high school and college journalism that provides "relevance, integrity and initiative in serving readers," according to the PNMA.

Any student at any public, private or parochial Pennsylvania high school, college or university who has had his or her material published in a school newspaper may enter the contest.

The Rocket, recognized for its entries in the PNMA's Division II that is for colleges and universities with enrollment less than 10,000 students, captured more honors than any other school in the division.

"We're just going in every week and working to the best of our abilities," said Janelle Wilson, a senior from Enon Valley and editor of The Rocket. "People don't normally gives us pats on the back for doing our jobs, and it's not something we seek out either, but it's an honor to have our work validated this way.

   WILSON

"We have a terrific staff and I'm proud of what they've accomplished. I'm sure this will only serve as a catalyst for everyone to put in that much more effort moving forward."

Awards were present to The Rocket in the following categories:

• Column: Second place, Janelle Wilson for Janelle Wilson columns.

• Review: Honorable mention, Cody Nespor for "Spectre falls flat in comparison to other James Bond films."

• Cartoon/graphic illustration: Second place, Karleigh Santry for Karleigh Santry illustrations.

• Sports photo: First place, Rebecca Dietrich for "Men's soccer starts season with 2-1 record;" second place, Kendall Scott for "Women's soccer climbs PSAC standings with win;" and honorable mention, Kendall Scott for "Strong first half insures round on victory over Virginia Union."

• News photo: Second place, Rebecca Dietrich for "LGBT issues addressed on campus."

• Feature photo: Second place, Rebecca Dietrich for "UPB welcomes back students;" honorable mention, Rebecca Dietrich for "S.O.L. hosts Day of the Dead fashion show."

• Photo story: Honorable mention, Rebecca Dietrich for "The Road to Home."

• Layout and design: First place, Karleigh Santry for "PSAC Wars: The Rock Awakens."

• Website: Honorable mention for www.theonlinerocket.com.

Winners will be honored at the Student Keystone Press Awards Luncheon April 6 in Hershey.

Additionally, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association announced the winners of its 33rd annual Gold Circle Awards program in the yearbook and digital media categories.

More than 4,200 entries were submitted from across the country with The Rocket's website capturing three awards in the digital/online journalism categories, including:

• News writing: Third place, Chris Gordon for "Mega Parties Spur Discussion of Student Safety, Reputation."

• Single sports photograph: First place. Alex Mowrey for "Rock Football Blown Out in Big House Battle;" third place, Rebecca Dietrich for "Rock Women's Soccer Senior Places in Fall Top 10."

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu