E-mail this pageCardinal Points Lands Another All American Newspaper Award
Cardinal Points, Plattsburgh State's student newspaper, has been named by the Associated Collegiate Press as an All-American newspaper for the spring 2004 semester. This All American marks the sixth such ranking for Cardinal Points, as well as the second consecutive under the leadership of Editor in Chief Katie Holscher.
"I was ecstatic to learn that we were, once again, awarded the All American for the spring '04 semester," Holscher said. "The editors and I worked very hard both semesters. It makes me proud to have achieved such an honor for both semesters that I was editor in chief."
The All American is a national award for journalism excellence in student publications at institutions of higher education. Colleges and universities of all sizes compete together for the All American. The honor is bestowed on only about 20 percent of college newspapers nationwide. It is awarded by semester.
Student-editors and managers for the spring 2004 semester were: Katie Holscher, Editor in Chief; Anthony Malakian, Managing Editor; April Amadon, News Editor; Oksana Poltavets, Associate News Editor; Eric Heredia and Neale Gulley, Life Editors; Sarah Brooks, Associate Life Editor; Derek Constable, Sports Editor; Rueben Ortiz-Diaz, Associate Sports Editor; Matthew Igler, Opinions Editor; Erica Miller, Photography Editor; Michael Betts, Graphics Designer; and Ebony Edwards, Advertising/Business Manager.
Teamwork and Hard Work Pay Off
Holscher said: "This staff had to battle many unusual issues, both professionally and personally, throughout the course of the semester. With every obstacle, the staff came together and worked harder and longer hours to overcome the difficulties at hand. I could not be prouder of Tony, April, Neale, Derek, Matt, Erica, all of the associates, writers, photographers and everyone else who put this paper before themselves. Cardinal Points is definitely a labor of love. We would have been content simply knowing that we worked our hardest and did our absolute best. The All American shows we aren't the only ones who appreciate what went into each issue."
News Editor April Amadon, who was on staff both semesters during the 2003-04 All American streak, said: "I'm very proud of the All American. I'm glad the staff has been recognized so much for their efforts to put out one of the best college papers in the country. We worked hard and sacrificed a lot for Cardinal Points, but it was all worth it. The whole staff came together and created a newspaper Plattsburgh State can be proud of. Each and every person on staff - editors, reporters and photographers - deserves to be recognized."
Shawn W. Murphy, Associate Professor of Journalism in the Department of Journalism and Faculty Adviser to Cardinal Points, said: "I am very, very proud of the collective efforts of the 2003-04 staff. Each student-staffer - editors, reporters, photographers, cartoonists, graphic artists - shares this honor."
Experience Yields Jobs at Graduation
Managing Editor Anthony Malakian, who was on staff for both All Americans during the 2003-04 year, said: "To be awarded with this honor in back-to-back semesters is really a credit to all the hard work that our staff put in over the past year. We were never afraid to try something new as well as take constructive criticism from our peers. This will help all of our careers because it shows on our resumes that we were never content with winning this award just once."
Said Murphy, "This ongoing national recognition of our student newspaper and our journalism department is a significant reason why our graduates are landing good jobs in their field right away."
Amadon, who had lined up a job before she graduated in May, said: "Obviously, I can't express how grateful I am to CP for helping me get the job I have now. My experience there was invaluable to my job search. I'm an assistant to the news editor at the Roswell Daily Record in Roswell, N.M., and I wouldn't be here without Cardinal Points. I was hired before I even graduated, all based on my experience. Along with the basic skills of reporting, writing and editing, Cardinal Points taught me how to work on a deadline and how to produce my best work in the shortest amount of time."
Lifelong Friendships Forged
The newspaper is more than just an academic lab experience that gives students clips that help them get jobs; it also acts as a social club where many lasting friendships are forged.
"Even though I was initially shy and nervous to join Cardinal Points, the staff quickly became my best friends and did everything they could to help me succeed," Amadon recalled. "I had some of my best times at college in the Cardinal Points office. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything."
Along with the All-American ranking for the spring 2004 semester, Cardinal Points received four Marks of Distinction in the areas of coverage and content; photography, art and graphics; layout and design; and leadership. The near-perfect ranking and ongoing track record of excellence is serving as a motivator for the newspaper's current staff, and will also for future staffs of Cardinal Points, noted Malakian.
"It sets a high standard for future generations to follow," said Malakian, who is in his final year on newspaper staff. "They don't want to fall under the bar we set."
Said Amadon, "Even though I've left Plattsburgh State, I can be rest-assured that the tradition of excellence will continue, because Cardinal Points is in good hands."
Questions?
If you would like to learn more about the Journalism Program at Plattsburgh State, please contact:
Ron Davis, Journalism Department Chair
Journalism Department
Office: Champlain Valley Hall, Room 218
Phone: (518) 564-2423
E-mail: davisrj@plattsburgh.edu