Student journalists from the Grand Rapids Community College student newspaper, The Collegiate, took home 17 awards at the Michigan Community College Press Association awards, including first place in in-depth enterprise reporting and editorial writing.
Hosted by Central Michigan University, the MCCPA brought together journalism students from eight community colleges across Michigan. Saturday’s conference featured a keynote speech from Lisa Diaz, a founding partner of Lumen Impact Group, who discussed personal empowerment and self-care. Attendees then had the opportunity to listen to four Michigan-based professionals talk about a variety of topics, including sports coverage, photo and video strategies, entertainment writing and journalism in the digital age.
The conference concluded with a luncheon, followed by an awards ceremony. Listed below are awards won by the 2024-25 Collegiate staff.
In-Depth Enterprise Reporting – Alexa Cheaney, with contributions from Vanessa Hewitt, Grace Howard and Bianca Bower, first place, “Top athletic department staff disciplined after physical altercation between assistant coach and player led to the cancelation of multiple GRCC women’s basketball games last semester”
Solution-based journalism – Alexa Cheaney, honorable mention, “Police reports detail multiple cases of fraudulent admissions at GRCC, costing the college nearly $20,000 in false refunds”
Ava West, honorable mention, “How to keep up, get involved and take care of yourself during political changes”
Blace Carpenter, honorable mention, “Despite FAFSA complications, students still have time to complete their application and apply for financial aid this fall”
Feature Story – Marc Stoufer III, honorable mention, ‘It’s a different feeling altogether:’ Why physical media is making a comeback”
Personality profile – Alexa Cheaney, honorable mention, “Meet the GRCC brothers with 50,000 records”
Humorous column – Vanessa Hewitt, third place, “Stop telling me you relate to me because your grandma died three years ago – what not to say to someone grieving”
Sports Feature or Profile – Jack Walker, second place, “Player Profile: Marshaun Flakes and his journey to becoming a school record holder”
James Herold, third place, “GRCC baseball pitcher Lucas McKinney, a competitor who strives to win and hates to lose”
Sports Column – Jack Walker, third place “Lions defense crumbles in shocking 45-31 loss to Commanders”
Editorial – Written by Alexa Cheaney and Vanessa Hewitt, first place, “For the sake of the students and the community, GRCC must commit to DEI”
Original Cartoon – Editorial Art by Dana Kistler and text by Alexa Cheaney, third place, “Well, why would I check the news?”
News Photo – Blace Carpenter, first place, “Dozens gather on Blue Bridge in Downtown Grand Rapids to witness solar eclipse”
Feature Photo – Blace Carpenter, second place, “Thousands gathered around Gillett Bridge for Grand Rapids’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show”
Photo Essay or Digital Slideshow – Blace Carpenter, third place, “Trump supporters and protesters gather downtown during former president’s Grand Rapids visit”
Headline writing – Alexa Cheaney, first place, “Breaking News: Nothing matters anymore, The Collegiate deems ‘apathy’ the 2024 word of the year”
Video Production or On-line Audio Slide Show Production – Blace Carpenter, third place, “GRCC celebrates over 600 graduates at the 107th Commencement Ceremony”
