Awards Presentation
Honoring the best collegiate journalism in the Palmetto State
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Tyler Starks and Damaia Davis
The Panther, Claflin University
SECOND PLACE
Evi Houston
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
STORY
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Audrey Enghauser
Refreshing to hear from actual sources about the importance of the work being funded by the $10K grants.
The Paladin
Furman University
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Colin Elam, Kelly Grady & CJ Leathers
The Daily Gamecock, USC
SECOND PLACE
Hayden Davis
The Daily Gamecock, USC
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Mary Gaughan
The Carolina Reporter
University of South Carolina
In-depth report that digs into topic well with data and multiple sources, but shines by telling the Hart family's personal story.
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
Clark Vilardebo
Chase Duncan
FEATURE STORY
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Great story told from several perspectives about moving forward when your school suddenly closed. Nice storytelling. Writer got out of the way of the characters.
Madison Tolomea
Old Gold & Black
Wofford College
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Tiger, Clemson University
SECOND PLACE
The Tiger, Clemson University
Emma Bulman
Ethan Silipo
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
CJ
University of South Carolina
This article stayed true to the right format of journalism writing. It is also timely and relevant. A great read.
Leathers and Miles Shea
The Daily Gamecock
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT STORY
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Sarah Albouchi
The Paladin, Furman University
Mia Molfetta
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT STORY
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Great piece about a fun topic. Well-written and fun-to-read.
Lanie Cauthen
Roddey McMillan Record
Winthrop University
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT STORY
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Daily Gamecock, USC
The Chanticleer, Coastal Carolina University
Miles Shea
Ava Norris
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT STORY
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Alyssa Dolina
The Tiger
Clemson University
The reporter selects vivid moments — from the missing-dentures anecdote to the reading of real victims’ names — that humanize Everett while underscoring the emotional stakes of his work.
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Paladin, Furman University
The Collegian, Bob Jones University
Henry Anderson
Jonathan Rose
SPORTS STORY
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Well-written piece on renovations and what they can mean for the game-day experience.
Elena Davidson
The Paladin
Furman University
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Ethan Silipo
The
Tiger, Clemson University
SECOND PLACE
Nathan Inman
The Tiger, Clemson University
SPORTS STORY
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Ethan Silipo and Brett Porter
The Tiger
Clemson University
Really enjoyed this piece. It's not a traditional sports story, but utilized great feature techniques and a unique angle to sports.
COLUMN OR EDITORIAL WRITING
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Paladin, Furman University
SECOND PLACE
The Paladin, Furman University
Carter Ozburn
Evelyn Le
COLUMN OR EDITORIAL WRITING
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Aubrey Zoodsma
The Paladin Furman University
Writing about a dog is usually a certain way to get readers. However, this tightly written piece about a nontraditional source of community on a college campus kept me reading and left me with a smile. In a category of very heavy subjects, I was glad to see a writer with the chops to challenge the administration to erect a statue to a dog that connected a campus. This was a good idea for a column and well-executed.
COLUMN OR EDITORIAL WRITING
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Tiger, Clemson University SECOND PLACE
The Daily Gamecock, USC
Caroline Block
JC Vaught
COLUMN OR EDITORIAL WRITING
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Lauren Douda The Tiger
Clemson University
This column clearly and concisely lays out students' frustrations due to university's fast growth. Takes first place for clean writing style, well-organized points and a clear call for Clemson to make needed changes. Judges would like to commend the high quality of dozens of columns and editorials in this category.
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Great variety of content to draw readers in! Good hierarchy with nice teasers and good use of art.
Clark Vilardebo
The Johnsonian
Winthrop University
PAGE ONE DESIGN
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Megan Gourley & Grace De Peña
The Daily Gamecock
University of South Carolina
Elements come together to make an eye-catching front page that encourages you to jump to the story.
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
Clean design and bold headline pair well with photos showing the excitement of rush.
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
Julia Wilson
The Tiger Clemson University
'Student Film: The Movie'
Such a difficult contest to judge! Outstanding submissions by every single entrant in this contest. Clemson stands out for showcasing several design skills and techniques. Great job!
PHOTOGRAPH
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Tessa Bonnema
The Collegian, Bob Jones University
SECOND PLACE
Rebekah Bishop
The Panther, Claflin University
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Claflin University
Joy at the snow is readily apparent on the subjects face. The picture draws you in and you want to be there too.
Jayla Odom
The Panther
PHOTOGRAPH
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Carolina Reporter, USC
SECOND PLACE
The Tiger, Clemson University
Camille Molten
William Stehn
PHOTOGRAPH
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
The emotion in the photo is palpable. A fantastic entry.
Jack Bradshaw
The Daily Gamecock
University of South Carolina
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
The Collegian, Bob Jones University
Jackson Stanton
Amelia Morris
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Great action shot! Image is clear and sharp. Great job!
Tessa Bonnema
The Collegian
Bob Jones University
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Carolina Reporter, USC
SECOND PLACE
The Carolina
USC
Katie Cannon
Deston Cedillo
Reporter,
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Meadow Myers
The Chanticleer
Coastal Carolina University
The photo captures the moment; makes the viewer feel the concern of the defensive player and the determination of the offensive player. Perfect shot.
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Damaia Davis
The Panther, Claflin University
SECOND PLACE
Roddey McMillan Record, Winthrop University
PHOTO STORY
Kit Crosby
PHOTO STORY
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000
DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Kit Crosby, Markus
and
Claire Meuret
Bontempo
Terrific photo story that captures a nice range of participants and their emotions at this event.
Roddey McMillan Record
Winthrop University
D Rock Hill Rocks Out at Don’t Sweat It Fest
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Daily Gamecock, USC
SECOND PLACE Staff
The Carolina
USC
PHOTO STORY
Jack Bradshaw
Reporter,
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
University of South Carolina
PHOTO STORY
Darby Bianco, Jack Bradshaw and J'marion Dickerson
The Daily Gamecock
CARTOON OR ILLUSTRATION
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Collegian, Bob Jones University
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
Andrew Figueroa
Mariana Beltran
CARTOON OR ILLUSTRATION
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Cute cartoon that is local to campus.
Camille Bailey
The Johnsonian
Winthrop University
CARTOON OR ILLUSTRATION
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Tiger, Clemson University
SECOND PLACE
The
Emma Bulman
Megan Gourley
Daily Gamecock, USC
CARTOON OR ILLUSTRATION
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Emma Bulman
The Tiger
Clemson University
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Katie Beth Bostic
The Vision, North Greenville University
SECOND PLACE
Olivia Abner
The Daily Gamecock, USC
DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Katie Beth Bostic
The Vision
Good graphic to showcase local campus leaders. Nice use of photos and quotes.
North Greenville University
MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
The Tiger, Clemson University
Kylie Tutterrow
Ransleigh Baldas
The Daily Gamecock, USC
MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Ransleigh Baldas
University of South Carolina
Clever graphic to illustrate topic.
The Daily Gamecock
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
David Olsen
The Daily Gamecock, USC
Chloe Ehlers
The Daily Gamecock, USC
FIRST PLACE
Abby Short
The Daily Gamecock
Cute! Love everything about this ad! Perfect use of QR/call to action.
THIRD PLACE
Claire Meuret
The Johnsonian, Winthrop University
SECOND PLACE
The Daily Gamecock, USC
OPEN DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Kat Pugh
The Tiger
Clemson University
Site is packed with recent news, sports and feature stories. Good mix of content. Solid user experience and social integration.
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Carolina Reporter, USC
SECOND PLACE
The Carolina Reporter, USC
Ashley Mallon
Phillip Schlies & Ryan Marinaro
VIDEO
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Julia Spies
The Carolina Reporter
University of South Carolina
An impossible class to judge based on the quality of a dozen videos that stood out, especially those from The Carolina Reporter. We chose this as the overall winner because the videography is beautiful, content is engaging and we loved the multiple perspectives shared.
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
The Collegian Bob Jones University
SECOND PLACE
The Daily Gamecock University of South Carolina
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
COLLEGIATE OPEN DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Hayden Byrum & Emma Breaux
The Tiger
Clemson University
In an impressive group of entries, The Tiger stands out for commitment to engagement, innovation and growth. Makes consistent efforts to use new features to reach community.
SECOND PLACE
Brian Warner and Nicole Jordan
The Tiger
Clemson University
DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
The Collegian
Bob Jones University
Podcast has excellent flow, keeping on topic while keeping the tone conversational. Not forced – like talking to your friends about relevant campus issues.
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
SECOND PLACE
The Daily Gamecock
University of South Carolina
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Nathan Inman
The Tiger
Clemson University
Concise length; great curation of photos, blurbs and links; impressive open and click-through rates!
GENERAL EXCELLENCE
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
The Panther
Claflin University
Jan-Feb 2025
CLAFLIN HAS EYES ON POTENTIAL FEDERAL FUNDING PAUSE
The status of federal funding for education and other sources remains unclear.
TYLER STARKS, Reporter Claflin students have a wide range of opinions on the federal spending pause. Some believe it to be harmful to those who benefit from federal funding while others believe it to be beneficial for the U.S.
The White House placed a temporary pause on federal spending on Jan. 28. The pause includes federal grants, loans and scholarships, which would affect many college students across the country.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the pause.
A memo from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget clarified that “any program that provides direct benefits to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause.” These include Social Security, Medicare, SNAP and Pell grants.
Despite established programs being exempt from the pause, the ruling doesn’t exempt new programs from having funds frozen. The Trump administration still has the right to freeze funds if they see fit.
Speaking on condition of remaining anonymous, one student said, “I think it’ll be a good thing for the long run. The government has been spending a lot of money and we are $36 trillion in debt. I think they should take this time to go over the budget and allocate our taxpayer dollars.”
Claflin President Dwaun J. Warmack has addressed the situation via statements to students via email:
“I understand the uncertainty and concern surrounding recent discussions at the federal level regarding potential budget pauses/cuts and the future of the Department of Education,” Warmack said. “Let me assure everyone that Claflin University remains steadfastly committed to student success.”
Also speaking anonymously, another student said, “The federal spending pause is going to affect those who heavily rely on the federal funding, especially us college students who don’t have the money to pay for school. I’m afraid I won’t be able to complete my last few years of college.”
Warmack and his staff are working to ensure the safety of students’ education, “monitoring developments in Washington and advocating for continued investment in higher education,” Warmack stated.
He assures that Claflin will “continue to ‘elevate and transform’ to ensure that students receive the high-quality education they deserve.”
students that they are part of a long tradition
“Claflin was founded in 1869 as the first historically Black college in South Carolina to welcome students regardless of race gender or background That inclusive spirit still defines us today Warmack said Warmack ended his remarks with a challenge to stay focused and involved
“I challenge each of you to maximi e your Claflin experience Get involved stay focused and never forget that you are now forever a Claflin Panther he said
The ceremony also included greetings from student leaders including the Student Government Association president who encouraged freshmen to take advantage of campus resources and traditions
As the program ended students were reminded that their success will depend on how they respond to challenges r, as Simons put it “It s not about where you ve been it s about where you choose to go
Local, local, local! Focus is on campus with numerous student/faculty voices included.
Tackled tough subjects and hard-hitting news, localized national issues and shared lovely features. Well done.
GENERAL EXCELLENCE
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
The Daily Gamecock
University of South Carolina
Great variety of topics covered. Commitment to sharing news that impacts students, faculty and community.
Solid writing, photography and design displayed throughout news, sports and feature coverage.
LEE HARTER COLLEGIATE JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
COLLEGIATE UNDER 10,000 DIVISION
Alexis Wilson
The Panther, Claflin University
201. Collegiate Journalist of the Year
ALEXIS WILSON
Claflin University
LEE HARTER COLLEGIATE JOURNALIST
COLLEGIATE OVER 10,000 DIVISION
Kylie Tutterrow
The Tiger, Clemson University
OF THE YEAR
Collegiate Meeting & Awards Celebration Thanks for attending!
