Southeastern student newspaper photographer recognized with photography awards

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 William Schmidt
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.




More News...