Southeastern student newspaper photographer recognized with photography awards
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – A Southeastern Louisiana University student photographer was recognized
at the 136th Annual Louisiana Press Association Convention held recently in Lake Charles
for his work in the student-run newspaper “The Lion’s Roar.”
Two photographs by William Schmidt, the assistant editor of “The Lion’s Roar,”
were awarded second and third place honors in the Best News Photo category.
Schmidt, a history graduate student from Hammond, submitted photos illustrating
some of the many challenges facing higher education. One of his winning images depicted
a rally that took place last year at the Louisiana State Capitol in which students
voiced their displeasure to funding cuts in higher education. The other photograph
shows students participating in a protest of the Consuming Fire Ministries during
that group’s assembly on Southeastern’s campus last September, an event that sparked
discussion on the freedom of speech.
Speaking specifically about Schmidt’s picture of the state capitol rally, judges
said, “good catch of a passionate subject in a tense situation.”
“It was an honor to be recognized by the LPA for my photos,” said Schmidt. “I
was completely shocked when I first heard the news that my photos were moving forward
in competition.
“I am glad that ‘The Lion’s Roar’ has given me the chance to gain photography
skills and experience,” he explained. “I hope to continue moving forward with my skill
sets as I continue to work for the newspaper.”
Fifty-eight newspapers, publications, and college/university student newspapers
submitted more than 2,700 entries, which were judged this year by the Alabama Press
Association. “The Lion’s Roar” competed against similar newspapers from universities
across the state in the Better Student Newspaper Competition.
“Our students constantly strive to have the highest quality in their photography,”
said Dr. Lee E. Lind, director of Student Publications. “The photographs recognized
in this competition showcase not only the skills William has acquired in his time
at Southeastern, but also illustrate how important the work of our student journalists
is to the community.”
Schmidt was recently promoted and will begin heading “The Lion’s Roar” as editor
in chief with the back-to-school issue of the newspaper this fall.
“The Lion’s Roar” can be found in stands on-campus and in the immediate Hammond
community and online at www.lionsroarnews.com. Follow the newspaper on Facebook and
Twitter @lionsroarnews.