Triumphant Union advisers, editors and staff writers flew home from Sacramento after recieving the Pacesetter award at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) state competition that took place from March 26-28.
“Truly an extraordinary achievement,” Lori Medigovich, Union adviser said. “Out of 55 schools (in California) competing, we were one of five that won The Pacesetter award.”
The Pacesetter is an award given to colleges that are setting the pace for the other colleges in the state.
“The pacesetter award is proof that we are a legitimate and distinguished publication,” Miyu Kataoka, editor-in-chief, said.
Although the Pacesetter was a great achievement, it wasn’t the only award that brought gratification to each individual participant who worked extremely hard also taking home five on-the-spot awards as well as nine mail-in awards.
“Winning first place made me feel relieved. It just showed how my hard work has paid off in two and a half years and how far I’ve come,” Nick Ingram, sports editor, said.
Ingram won first place for a story he wrote in the sports writing competition.
Suzy Brown, opinion editor, also won first place for her story in the feature writing competition.
“I had no expectations but looking back I really paid attention to AP style. I was completely and utterly surprised when they announced my name,” Brown said.
Aaron Dobruck, advertising manager, won first place for broadcast news writing.
“I was really excited when I won first place. This was my last chance to compete in that competition and I thought I had written a third or fourth place story so when I was the first place story I was elated,” Dobruck said.
The JACC’s statewide convention is designed to provide enriching, student-learning experiences, and included more than 70 workshops, 14 on-the-spot competitions, photo and writing critiques, and “The Best Damn Journalism Trivia Bowl.”
“It was a very exciting and nerve wracking experience. To be in a room with about 70 other people just makes you realize why you’re in this profession,” Miles Villalon, features editor, said. “The workshops were very helpful. The sports workshop was the best one I’ve ever taken on how to write a good story.”
The workshops provided information about the different schools one might want to consider that have great programs for journalism as well as speakers from professionals already in the field; these professionals provided helpful hints and tips on the different steps one might want to take if pursuing a career in journalism. JACC overall proved to be a success.
“It was my last JACC, so I think I ended on a positive note and I am very proud of everybody. We proved that our publication represents ECC in a very positive way, and I am sure we will do well next semester,” Kataoka said. “I competed in the team feature competition and I earned second place for my opinion magazine article and that was nice; it meant a lot to me because it was a state competition.”
