Southeastern's Lion's Roar newspaper wins LPA Awards
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
Date: April 24, 2013 
ROARING WITH PRIDE – Southeastern Louisiana University students were recently honored with Louisiana Press Association Awards for their work with the student newspaper The Lions Roar. From left are Sara Patrick, Christopher Martin, Michael "M.J." Dinino Jr. and Nick BeJeaux, editor in chief of The Lion's Roar. Not pictured are Riana Karger and Tony Romain.
HAMMOND – Staff members of Southeastern Louisiana University's student newspaper The Lion's
Roar were recognized in the Better Student Newspaper Competition for their work at
the 133rd Annual Louisiana Press Association Convention held in Baton Rouge on April
20.
For the second year, Michael Dinino Jr. swept all three prizes for his advertising
design work in the "Staff Generated-Black and White" category taking first, second,
and third place. Dinino, a sophomore art major from Prairieville concentrating in
graphic design, also received first and second place awards for his advertising designs
in the "Staff Generated-Color" category. His first place designs were both for local
businesses, Raxx Pool Hall in the B&W category, and Sarita's Grill & Cantina in the
color category.
"Winning these awards and going to the LPA convention, for me, was a fantastic
experience," said Dinino. "It really makes me feel like I am representing Southeastern,
as well as getting my name, along with the school's name, out there. Ultimately, I
hope to be blessed with more opportunities like this in the future."
Assistant Editor Christopher Martin received a first place award in the "Best
News Story" category for his article covering the Defense of Marriage Act. The junior
communication major from Albany also earned second place, third place and honorable
mention awards in the "Best Sports Photo" category.
"It is an honor to receive these awards from the Louisiana Press Association.
I have to thank the staff that I work with because without them, my successes would
not happen," said Martin.
Arts and Entertainment editor Sara Patrick, a junior communication major from
Houma, received an honorable mention award in the "Best News Story" category for her
article about a local businessman who sued the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff after officers
raided the business and confiscated sachets often consumed as a synthetic drug.
Freshman Riana Karger received an honorable mention award in the "Most Effective
Use of Graphic Design on One Page" category for her artwork that accompanied a story
about the dangers of drinking. Karger, a native of Luling majoring in art with a concentration
in new media and animation, regularly designs artwork and editorial cartoons for The
Lion's Roar. Senior art major Tony Romain, of Slidell, placed second in the "Best
News Photo" category for his photo of a student lip sync competition.
"I am constantly impressed with the content and quality of the work produced
by our student staff," said Student Publications Director Lee E. Lind. "These awards
garnered from the LPA show that Southeastern students are among the best and brightest
in the state. I'm very proud of what they have accomplished in the past year and look
forward to seeing what they can do together in the future."
The Louisiana Press Association is a state-wide association of Louisiana newspapers
and other media founded in 1880. This year 74 newspapers, publications, and college/university
student newspapers submitted more than 3,500 entries for judging.
The Lion's Roar can be found on newsstands each Tuesday during regular semesters,
online at www.lionsroarnews.com, or at www.facebook.com/lionsroarnews.
