Journalism Students Win Big at State Competition

The Houstonian staff, as well as members of the Houstonian advertising staff, made excellent showings at state conferences held this past weekend.

Representing the campus newspaper at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) conference in Witchita Falls were nine students who competed in live events, participated in seminars, and attended a job fair. The Houstonian was presented 11 awards at the Saturday morning awards brunch.

Winners include:

• 1st place sports feature writing: Brandon Autrey for his examination of the life of intramural referees
• 1st place on-site headline writing: Kendra Willeby
• 1st place front page layout: Election Day Edition
• 1st place feature writing: Billy Loveless for his feature on Tripod
• 2nd place sports page design: Matthew Normand and Brandon Autrey for their basketball preview edition
• 2nd place sports column writing: Brandon Autrey for his commentary on the lack of fan attendence at SHSU sporting events
• 2nd place on-site sports writing: Jeff Wick
• 3rd place best of show: Staff
• 3rd place sports news: Jeff Wick for his article on the Bearkat basketball team's conference clinching victory
• Honorable mention news writing: Amee Allen for her article on an SHSU teacher protest of senior exit exams
• Honorable mention news feature writing: Jeff Wick for his examination of a former Bearkat football player who committed suicide

"It is very nice to have all our hard work rewarded at the state level," said Jeff Wick, Houstonian editor-in-chief.

The Sam Houston Chapter of Sound Advertising Minds attended the National Student Advertising Competition in Amarillo over the weekend.

The group has been preparing a presentation for the past year on a case study that was given to them by the national organization. The group created a 40-page book, which included public relations, advertising, a budget, as well as a timeline for an advertising campaign for an advertising client.

Tracy Chidester, Hector Lezano, Cheryl Janes, Amanda Bright, and Marisela Lopez all presented the project at the state conference. The presentation was awarded seventh place out of 15 schools, which is a four-place jump in the standings from last year's project.

"We put a whole lot of hard work into this year long project and while we are always striving to be the best, we are content with our excellent showing," said Lopez, Houstonian production manager.

Information for this article has been provided by The Houstonian.

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SHSU Media Contact: Audrey Wick
Apr. 24, 2001
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