Student publications honored at national convention
This year, members of both The Mirror and The Edda attended the 2024 Fall National College Media Convention held in New Orleans. The convention, which takes place annually, is sponsored by the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association. This significant event in the world of journalism offers opportunities for learning and competition.
Students attended sessions led by professionals, where they learned how to approach various aspects of journalism.
The Edda competed in the Best of Show category, submitting a copy of the yearbook to be judged against all other yearbook entries. The Mirror submitted their recent election issue to compete in the Best of Show category of newspapers and news magazines from four-year campuses with 15,000 or fewer students. Both the Edda and The Mirror placed 7th.
Students also competed individually with works from the Edda or Mirror. Individual submissions from the Edda compete in a combined division II and III against schools with less than 10,000 students, while individuals in The Mirror compete in division III against schools with less than 3,000 students. This year, there were 16 finalists from Augustana between both the yearbook and newspaper. These finalists earned placements ranging from 1st to 3rd place, as well as honorable mentions.
The following students placed first individually: Ryleigh Tupper (Best Infographic), Peyton Bartsch (Best Sports Feature Photo), Veda Tonneson (Best Podcast), Madisyn Stogsdill (Best Coverage of Faith) and Abigail Smith and Megan Brown (Best Feature Story).
“It’s just such a wonderful acknowledgment of their hard work and the good work they do,” journalism professor Janet Blank-Libra said when asked about the success of both publications.
Senior journalism major Jackson Dircks, editor-in-chief of the Edda and swim team athlete, explained that while his goal in swimming is to win, his motivation for working on the yearbook is different.
“It’s just passion, yeah, something interesting and exciting,” Dircks said.
Xavier Carbonneau, editor-in-chief of The Mirror, felt similarly.
“If I didn’t have a passion for journalism, I wouldn’t do this job,” Carbonneau said.
He explained that he joined The Mirror and later added a journalism major due to his enjoyment of writing.
Carbonneau emphasized how difficult it can be to be your own worst critic. He added that the convention not only provides a space to learn about the field but also offers feedback on what they are doing well.
This year marks the final year working on Augustana’s student publications for both Carbonneau and Dircks.
Carbonneau said he was impressed by his raw staff and grateful for their work. Every editor this year was new to their position.
“We’ve just got a very, very skilled, very dedicated crew this year,” Carbonneau said. “I think ‘dedicated’ is the keyword there. I’m excited to see how The Mirror grows. I’m very proud of everyone I’ve had the privilege to help grow.”
Dircks also expressed his pride and gratitude for everyone who contributed to the yearbook presented at the convention.
“Thank you,” Dircks said. “That would be the main thing. I’m just very grateful.”