This is the second year the Brookhaven Courier has been nominated for a Pacemaker Award, the highest honor available to Associated Collegiate Press members for more than 70 years. It is today considered one of the most prestigious awards in collegiate journalism. Though the Courier was not selected for the ACP Pacemaker Award, John Neal, journalism professor; Larie Engles, college newspaper adviser; and members of the editorial staff recently attended the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Advisers national college media convention in Kansas City.
The award recognizes excellence in coverage and content, quality of writing and editing, leadership on the opinion page, evidence of in-depth reporting, layout and design, photography, art and graphics. The Courier was one of 15 two-year colleges included in the 55 finalists, selected by a panel from The Washington Post. The judges for the competition were from the National Poetry Review, St. Petersburg Times and New York Times Magazine.
“For the staff to be included among the best in the nation is a direct reflection on their talent, dedication to hard work and love of journalism,” said Larie. “This is a great staff of outstanding students and team players dedicated to excellence. I learn from them every day.”
Brookhaven Courier’s Scott Figuerola, editor; Kristin McKenzie, managing editor; and Chris Vivero, photographer and videographer; attended a variety of meetings, keynote addresses by respected media experts and an awards ceremony at the convention. The group also presented a workshop titled “Family Ties: The Newspaper as Home” where they discussed the healthy family as a model for the campus newsroom, where teamwork and mutual respect are the norm. The concept also encompassed covering the community outside the college with respect and accountability as a community participant.
In addition to the ACP’s recognition of the Courier, the college newspaper continues to receive high awards at the state level. At the Texas Community College Journalism Association this year, Figuerola, editor, received first place for copy editing and McKenzie received second place for news writing. Staff members received an additional 16 awards for previously submitted works including one first place, three second place, four third place and seven honorable mention.
