By: Katrina Penaflor
Managing Editor

The Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) announced the winners for the national Pacemaker and Individual Awards at the National College Media Convention in Austin, Texas, Oct. 31, 2015.

According to the organization’s website, ACP “promotes the standards and ethics of good journalism as accepted and practiced by print, broadcast and electronic media in the United States.”

The Journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Conner Williams, was nominated for the individual awards under the “Story of the Year” category.

Sections in the category included “News,” “Feature,” “Sports,” “Editorial/Opinion,” and “Diversity.”

Williams’ piece, “Up in smoke: The ethical dilemmas of a convenience store clerk” was a top ten finalist for “Editorial/Opinion,” receiving an honorable mention after the final judging.

Rhys Finch, student media advisor, said, “Regardless if a student receives first prize or an honorable mention, to be considered on the national level for your writing is exemplary. Honors such as these put not only the student in the national spotlight, but the campus publication as well.”

The top award for “Editorial/Opinion” went to Leah Johnson, from the Indiana Daily Student, for her piece titled “Color of conscience.”

Williams’ placement in his category puts him among the top ten writers in the country for editorial writing, an accomplishment that should not go unnoticed.

“I am incredibly proud to be advising Conner, who has proven himself to be a strong, and improving, writer as well as an ambitious Editor-in-Chief,” said Finch.

The Journal wishes Conner congratulations on his achievements in editorial writing.