Southeastern student journalists recognized at Louisiana Press Association conference
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s student newspaper, “The Lion’s
Roar,” earned several awards, including a first place honor, from the Better Student
Newspaper Competition sponsored by the Louisiana Press Association.
The awards were presented at the annual LPA conference held jointly with the
Mississippi Press Association recently in Biloxi.
Student reporters and photographers at “The Lion’s Roar” took a first place award
in the Best Sports Photo Category and captured third place in the General Excellence
Category.
Elizabeth Brown, a senior art major from Harvey, was awarded top honors for her
photography. She also took second place honors in the same category.
“It’s such an honor to be recognized for something I have a passion for,” said
Brown. “Capturing a photo like this often requires time and patience. When I want
to capture a specific type of shot, I watch and wait with my camera at the ready,
and when I see my opportunity, I shoot.”
While working with the Department of Student Publications, which houses “The
Lion’s Roar,” Brown as able to attend and cover a number of events as a photographer.
Regina Pergola, a sophomore business administration major from Slidell, placed
second in the Best Feature Story Category for her piece focusing on last year’s Young
Alumni of the Year, Cari and Zac Caramonta of Gnarly Barley Brewing in Hammond.
“I am ecstatic to have been honored with these awards,” said Pergola. “Stories
like this one about Zac and Cari Caramonta made it easy for me to love working at
the newspaper. At ‘The Lion’s Roar’ I took pride in listening to the stories of local
Hammond residents and framing them within my work. I interacted and interviewed this
amazing family and shared with the Hammond community how they made their dreams come
to life.”
Morgan Ledet, a family and consumer sciences senior from Marrero and former editor-in-chief
of “The Lion’s Roar,” also received recognition for her piece featuring students affected
by the historic August 2016 flooding. The story, which focused on how students were
trying to stay positive despite the devastation, placed third place in the Best Feature
Story Category of the competition.
“This story was extremely difficult to write,” said Ledet, “since it was time
sensitive, and I had to work quickly. I spoke to individuals in administration who
were helpful in getting me in contact with some of the students affected. I was happy
to be able to share their stories.”
Ledet elaborated on her writing process, as well as her experiences as editor-in-chief,
while discussing her award-winning article.
“During interviews, I try to step into the interviewee’s shoes. When I put myself
in their place, it helps me write a story as if my subjects were writing it,” said
Ledet. “I wanted readers to be able to understand what they went through and see how
the people around them helped them through that rough time.”
“I’m so very proud of the work our students do every day,” said Lee E. Lind,
director of Student Publications. “They serve our community in a unique and challenging
way in addition to their studies. Their recognition of excellence by the LPA serves
to inspire others to reach for the same.”
Forty-seven newspapers, publications, and college and university student newspapers
submitted 2,408 entries for the competition. The Texas Press Association judged the
competition this year.