Several members of the Torch staff descended to Grand Rapids last weekend for the Michigan Press Association Conference in the Amway Plaza to soak in some insight, tips and tricks and a bundle of state-wide awards.
The MPA contest is open for submissions from college media outlets from all across the state. The Torch lands in Div. 2 of the tri-tiered division system since it’s published once a week, and earned 15 total awards among the competition.
Among the awards were a 1st place finish for former Torch photographer Michael Corn as best photographer, a 3rd place best writer finish for Editor in Chief Keith Salowich and the Torch’s website was named the 3rd best in the field. The Torch also finished just behind Hillsdale’s The Collegian in total points for best overall newspaper.
Production manager Jordan Lodge and news reporter Devin Anderson also both brought home 1st place finishes, as Lodge won several design awards and swept 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in non-front page design. Anderson’s first place finish came from his news article “Bulldog guide to marijuana.”
Some of the award winning work can be found below:
2nd place best news/sports feature
3rd place investigative journalism
3rd place non-front page design
Honorable mention feature story