North Central College journalists win awards for excellence

Student journalists from North Central College have earned five awards for excellence from the Illinois College Press Association (ICPA).

The awards were announced at ICPA’s annual conference Feb. 20-21 in Chicago. College newspapers throughout Illinois, ranging from those at small colleges to publications at large state universities, participated in the annual journalism contest. Entries are judged by working journalists and professional editors who are members of the Illinois Press Association. Some 38 schools contributed 1,260 entries, resulting in 270 winners.

North Central 2014 graduates Jared Shlensky, of Palos Heights, earned second place in sports game stories and Danielle Spence, of Naperville, earned third place in headline writing. Copy editor Troy Kelleher, a junior from Hilliard, Ohio, received third place in non-sports feature stories. Photographer Crystal Madrigal, a junior from Joliet, received third place in the “Shoot Chicago” photo contest. Design editor Jordan Redman, a junior from Woodstock, earned an honorable mention in sports page design.

“The Chronicle is already making strong headway in responding to new technologies and exploring new ways to tell stories,” said faculty advisor and assistant professor of journalism Kay O’Donnell. “Our efforts in digital and multimedia arenas are not only giving students a wide range of projects to explore, but are helping them stay firmly in touch with where various media entities are heading.”

During the conference, students had a chance to attend sessions on digital media, editorial writing, jobs in journalism and journalism ethics led by members of the Chicago press corps.

O’Donnell continues to help her students strive toward modern journalism by building on their award-winning website NCCLinked.com  and also newer web additions.

“(We’re) definitely (looking to be more recognized) in online, digital and social contributions, including video news content, photography and new multimedia projects such as GPS,” said O’Donnell. “And we’re seeking to enter more national competitions.”

North Central’s Chronicle student newspaper, which was first published in print in 1873, may be viewed online at ncclinked.com.  North Central College offers majors in journalism, interactive media studies, English writing and other areas of communication studies. Visit illinoiscollegepress.wordpress.com to learn more about the ICPA.