Seven members of The Reflector staff took home nine awards at the 33rd annual Southeastern Journalism Conference.
The conference, hosted by Middle Tennessee State University, took place Feb. 14-16 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where more than 30 universities submitted work and participated in on-site competitions.
Writer Brandon Grisham, a sophomore business information systems major, received eighth place in Best Arts and Entertainment Writer.
Junior psychology major Mary Madeline LaMastus, who ranked No. 1 Best Arts and Entertainment Writer, said she was surprised her name was called for this award.
“I’m still a little stunned,” LaMastus said. “Writing about art is so fun for me, and it was just a cherry on top of the cake to be awarded publicly for something I personally love doing.”
Photography Editor Courtney Carver, a junior communication major, received ninth place for Best News Writer for her coverage last semester.
Additionally, sophomore English major Dylan Bufkin took home a ninth place award for Best Opinion Writer.
In the Best Special Event Reporter category, senior English major and News Editor Katie Poe received second place. Poe also received second place for College Journalist of the Year, as well as for an on-site competition in design and page layout.
In the copy editing on-site category, senior communication major and Managing Editor Kristina Domitrovich earned third place. Domitrovich said she was grateful to represent The Reflector well in her last semester at MSU.
“Placing in the on-sight competitions is really gratifying, and I think it’s a great way for each of our contestants to represent The Reflector,” Domitrovich said. “For me personally, it’s not a win for me—it’s a win for the paper. Since I graduate in May, that’s all I wanted at this year’s SEJC: to represent The Reflector well and bring back as many wins as we could.”
Domitrovich explained how the hard work of The Reflector staff was reflected in their winnings during the conference.
“I don’t think people always realize how much we put into the paper, so getting recognition at these conferences is always a really gratifying feeling,” Domitrovich said.
Sports Editor Hunter Cloud also competed and placed in an on-site competition, winning third place for sports writing.
Editor-in-Chief Emmalyne Kwasny shared her pride for The Reflector staff’s dedication to serving the MSU community.
“I am so proud of The Reflector staff for all of their hard work over the past year, and I’m so thankful they were affirmed at SEJC,” Kwasny said.