From Staff Reports.
Delta Collegiate Multimedia Director Matt Brown has been named the Michigan Community College Student Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA).
Brown’s award was one of 27 awards presented to the staff of Delta College’s student-run newspaper at the annual MCCPA awards luncheon and conference on Saturday at Central Michigan University April 18.
The MCCPA is an association of community college newspapers from throughout Michigan. Entries for this year’s contest came from 12 papers from throughout the lower peninsula. The Collegiate was honored for its efforts in news, sports, photojournalism, audio-video, multi-media and commentary.
Editor-in-Chief Kaitlyn Skrzypczak said that she’s pleased with the improvement the staff has made to the newspaper in the last year. The Delta Collegiate received 11 awards from the MCCPA in 2014.
“It’s really encouraging to see the hard work of our staff being recognized at a state level,” said Skrzypczak.
Brown, of Bay City, was recognized for his contributions to the newspaper and web site in roles ranging from web site developer to cartoonist, reporter to page designer, video editor to editorial writer.
Judges referred to Brown’s “multi-dimensional abilities,” “versatility” and “top-notch” work.
Brown also earned second place in Multimedia Reporting, for Bright Nights: The Deconstruction of Light Pollution, which judges said “makes consuming the news fun;” and third place for the informational graphic, “Marijuana decriminalization in Michigan.”
Brown was also part of a team that earned third place for Video Production/Online Audio Slideshow Production for Tri-City Haunted Houses.
This year’s other Delta Collegiate winners include:
Marisa Loranger, of Saginaw, Staff Reporter Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
-In-depth Reporting, 1st Place, Homeownership seems out of reach for many millennials
Judge comments: “Nice job showing the issue by using a mixture of statistics and personal anecdotes.”
The Delta Collegiate Staff
– Online Newspaper, 2nd Place,www.deltacollegiate.com
Judge comments: “Strong design, engaging presentation, excellent depth, variety of topics.”
-Front Page Design, Honorable Mention, Balloon fest heats up despite cold weather
Judge comments: “An interesting front page that offers a good mix of content to readers.”
Ann Escamilla, of Bay City, Staff Reporter and Illustrator Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
-Original Entertainment Cartoon, 2nd Place, Oh captain, my captain
Judge comments: “Minimal touch works well.”
-Critical Review, Honorable Mention, Ann’s top 10 list of 2014 albums
Judge comments: “You obviously know your music and this is not a cookie-cutter review.”
Bob Mastroianni, Staff Reporter Fall 2014
-Personality Profile, 2nd Place, Rob Little’s Trip
Judge comments: “The piece combined a lot of anecdotes that when assembled give the reader a good idea of who Rob Little is and where his comedy/career came from, with the bonus of making it pertinent to the publication’s readers.”
-Sports Feature Story, Honorable Mention, Celebrating 25 year legacy of men’s basketball national champs
Brandee Thomas, Staff Reporter Winter 2014
-Personality Profile, 3rd Place, Instructor shares journey to womanhood
Judge comments: “The authors of this piece managed to wade through the literary and cultural minefield to give a well-rounded profile of an individual many students would recognize.”
Dominic Arthur, of Saginaw, Staff Reporter Fall 2014 – 2015
-Video Production/Online Audio Slideshow Production, 2nd Place, Midwest fest set to rock Mt. Pleasant
Judge comments: “Best audio production in the category. Hands down. Podcasts are big right now. I applaud the format choice. Good tonality in the voice, and easy to listen to as well.”
-Video Production/Online Audio Slideshow Production, 3rd Place, Tri-City Haunted Houses
Judge comments:
“A quirky, fun video that matches its subject matter. The interviews were well done, good audio quality.”
Gabrielle Martin, of Bay City, News Editor Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
-Multimedia Reporting, 3rd Place, Three Key Factors Play into Changing Marriage Age
Judge comments: “Interesting way to tell the story. I love the idea of telling a story through multiple videos, weaving through narratives in multiple subjects’ lives.”
Greg Horner, of Bay City, Staff Reporter Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
-Headline Writing, 1st Place, Depression, or how I learned to start worrying and hate myself
Judge comments: “Really enjoyed the Dr. Strangelove reference, but you did not need the reference to understand to understand the message. It works on multiple levels.”
-News Story, 2nd Place, Voters to decide sales tax increase and with it, the state’s road plan
Judge comments: “There was a lot of information in this story. I like how it was given to the reader and stayed interesting.”
-Video Production/Online Audio Slideshow Production, 3rd Place, Tri-City Haunted Houses
Jacob Swiecicki, of Bay City, Staff Reporter and Photographer Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
-News Story, 3rd Place, Jury convicts man of murdering Delta student
Judge comments: “It’s not always easy to report court stories. I think you did a great job telling the readers what happened.”
-In-depth Reporting, 3rd Place, Judge tosses out lawsuit by Delta’s former police chief
Judge comments: “Nice hard-news reporting. This is a well written, unbiased piece that explained all aspects of the issue.”
-News Photo, 3rd Place, Tri-cities moved by touring monument
Judge comments: “Nice seeing, creativity, selective focus.”
Josephine Norris, of St. Charles, Photographer/Photo Editor Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
-Editorial, 2nd Place, Perform it, and they will come
Judge comments: “Good editorial on an unusual subject, but well done. Excellent point about local high schools challenging audiences with meatier productions than the college presents.”
-Sports News Photo, Honorable Mention, Pioneers kick it into high gear
Judge comments: “Good action with narrow depth of field.”
Kaitlyn Skrzypczak, of Bay City, Associate Web Editor/Editor-in-Chief Winter 2014 – Winter 2015
-Personality Profile, 3rd Place, Instructor shares journey to womanhood
Lindsi Hebert, of Essexville, Staff Reporter, Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
Critical Review, 2nd Place, Sex and Violence: “50 Shades of Grey” Edition
Judge comments: “For the most part, I felt as if we were sitting around talking and that’s a very good way to engage a reader.”
Lorena Wygant, Photo Editor Fall 2014
-Feature Photo, 3rd Place, Balloon fest heats up despite cold weather
Judge comments: “Good composition. Very telling photo.”
Taylor Syring, of Midland, Associate Editor Winter 2014
-Sports Feature Story, 1st Place, Work, family, school, ball: she does it all
Judge comments: “Very interesting story dealing with a very difficult situation…a player going through typical struggles with the additional struggles that come with trying to be a good parent while juggling classes and sports.”
Tenesha Blair, Guest Reporter
-Sports Column, Honorable Mention, My gym is my home
Judge comments: ““Nice first-person account of what it takes to play college sports and why people do it for little reward.”
Victoria Malloy, Staff Reporter Winter 2014
-Sports News Story, Honorable Mention, Softball season cancelled
Judge comments: “Victoria obtained some good quotes from multiple sources which is refreshing to see from young writers.”