Student Newspaper Earns All American Status

August 20, 2009

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2009) - Cardinal Points, the independent and student-run newspaper at SUNY Plattsburgh, was named an All American newspaper for the spring 2009 semester by the Associated Collegiate Press.The All American ranking is the ninth for Cardinal Points. It is the second consecutive semester that the newspaper has received the honor.

This marks only the third time in its history that Cardinal Points has been named an All American for both semesters in an academic year. In addition to the 2008-2009 academic year All American sweep under Editor-in-Chief Ryan Hayner, All Americans were awarded both semesters during the 2003-2004 academic year under Editor-in-Chief Katie Holscher and during the 2000-2001 academic year under Editor-in-Chief Nick Rummell.

All American status, given to student newspapers for journalistic excellence, is bestowed on only about 20 percent of college newspapers nationwide.

For spring 2009, Cardinal Points received a score of 910 and four marks of distinction. To be named an All American, a newspaper must score 900 or higher out of 1,090 points and receive at least four marks of distinction out of the five possible. Cardinal Points received marks of distinction for coverage and content; writing and editing; photography, art and graphics; and layout and design.

"It is always an honor to be named an All American newspaper," Hayner said. "We certainly are not doing this for awards - we do this to serve the public - but this ranking speaks to the hard work and dedication that the staff puts in day in and day out."

Student-editors for the spring 2009 semester were as follows: Hayner, editor in chief; Jessica Bakeman, managing editor; Alyssa Fleck, news editor; Josh Miner, Kyler Klix and Jameson Sempey, associate news editors; Katie Via, Fuse editor; Charlie Peppers, associate Fuse editor; Nick St. Denis, sports editor; Matt Rosenberg, associate sports editor; Bob Bennett, opinions editor; Kelly Marsh, photo editor; Jen Stiles, associate photo editor; Michelle Haynes, art director; and John Christman, advertising manager.

Shawn W. Murphy, associate professor of journalism in the Department of Journalism, is the faculty adviser to Cardinal Points. He has advised the newspaper since fall 1997.