Samford University journalism and mass communication students earned honors in multiple categories at the Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC) competition in March. For the second year in a row, the awards ceremony was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The students’ work was among 348 entries across 29 categories from schools throughout the Southeast.

The Samford honors included:
1^st place, Best Magazine Writer: Aliza Baker
1^st place, Best Magazine Page Layout Designer: Lily Kate Hollis
2^nd place, Best Magazine: The Local
2^nd place, Best Opinion Writer: Kate Young
3^rd place, Best Arts and Entertainment Writer: Mackenzee Simms
3^rd place, Best Newspaper Layout Designer: Mackenzee Simms
3^rd place, Best Multimedia Journalist: Gracie Eddins and Claire Poole
7^th place, Best News Writer: Rebekah Crozier

“This is a testament to our very strong program made up of high caliber faculty and students who are dedicated to excellence in journalism,” said Communication and Media Department Chair Ignatius Fosu. “We are very proud of their accomplishments.”

The department’s Media Adviser, Ana Good, said this year’s honors speak to the talent and resilience of Samford students. “Once again, Samford students took on the challenges of producing quality work and persevered,” Good said. Their accomplishments this year are especially remarkable considering the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic posed throughout the production year. During a time when much of the work had to be done virtually and circumstances changed daily, the success of our students speaks to their dedication to the craft and the continuing importance of journalism today.”