American Scholastic Press Association Awards First Place to The Iron Blade

Ferrum College’s campus newspaper, The Iron Blade, won the First Place 2021–2022 Scholastic Newspaper Award from American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA). ASPA is a nationwide contest for publications ranging from magazines to yearbooks. The ASPA focuses on elevating and highlighting not only the publications produced, but the students who work tirelessly on them.

The Iron Blade is a student-written, student-managed, and student-produced newspaper which covers the daily life and culture of Ferrum College. One print issue is published and distributed on campus each month. After every print, all articles are published online.

David Campbell, assistant professor of English and Journalism and adviser to The Iron Blade, is proud of the students for this achievement. “Our goal is not to win awards. Our goal is to publish a top-notch newspaper that adheres to the guidelines and criteria of quality journalism. I tell the students that if we craft our paper properly, then things like awards generally take care of themselves. It proved to be the case this time.”

Assistant Editor Brandon Mullins ’22 is honored to be part of a nationally-recognized publication. “We were able to succeed in the end thanks to the diligent efforts of our team. For us to reach national acclaim vouches for Ferrum’s commitment to journalistic excellence. I’m confident that The Iron Blade will continue to shine in the times to come.”

Editor Lindsey Foster was amazed when she received notification of the award. “As editor-in-chief, I am truly honored that our team won this incredible award. We have worked so hard this past year and the program has really grown. I am very proud of our Iron Blade staff.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly noted he is also proud of the students and Campbell for winning the award. “It represents countless hours, including late evenings and weekends, putting together a newspaper that is truly elite. It also provides evidence for the greater community of what we already know here at Ferrum College: our students, faculty and staff are exceptional.”

In September, The Iron Blade launched its first-ever digital publication at www.ironbladenews.com. The site is updated by staff writers with a variety of current news content, including sports, entertainment, alumni news, and videos.

“To be able to have an independent website that may be constantly updated with current information really takes the program and the publication deeper into the 21st Century,” said David Campbell, assistant professor of English and Journalism and adviser to The Iron Blade “This is where journalism is today, and our students are meeting it head on.”