Liberty Champion receives VPA awards

Virginia press — Liberty Champion awarded for journalistic excellence. Photo Credit: Ruth Bibby.

The results from this year’s Virginia Press Association(VPA) College Contest placed Liberty University’s campus newspaper The Liberty Champion as a winner in three categories.

According to The Champion’s editor in chief for the 2009-10 school year Amanda Sullivan, this was the first year the paper entered the competition in a long time.

Champion staff members Sullivan, Emily DeFosse, Chris Mabes and Eli Overbey took first in excellence of general makeup.

“That felt really good,” Sullivan said. “It’s very nice to be appreciated for all the hard work we’ve put in and it’s good to know we have a quality paper.”

The newspaper captured third in excellence of front page, column writing and sports writing.

Nate Brown, who won third in sports writing, was pleasantly shocked with his award.

“I submitted every single article I could, just because I was like, there’s got to be one in there they’re gonna like.” Brown said. “But I really didn’t expect to win anything.”

The contest is open to all student staff members at any student-produced college paper in Virginia.

Journalists from VPA publications judged 296 entries in 28 categories. Ten college newspapers submitted articles, photographs and presentations printed in campus papers from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010 to be judged.

“This contest is intended to recognize the people who produce college publications day after day. The judges are asked to provide comments on each winning entry,” VPA Member Services Manager Stephanie D.

McCraw said. “This gives the student journalists feedback on their work, which many have said they find useful and appreciate very much.”

Sullivan found feedback on newspaper formatting constructive.

“We’re working on our headlines,” Sullivan said.

Awards for the contest were handed out Saturday, April 9 at the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Award Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriot.

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