Southeastern students receive awards at Louisiana Press Association Convention
Thursday, July 19, 2018 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
AWARD-WINNING PHOTO - Nikisun Shrestha, a Southeastern Louisiana University senior majoring in accounting from Hammond, received a first place award in the 2017 Better Student Newspaper Competition for Best Sports Photo for his photo taken during the Harlem Globetrotter’s visit to the University Center.
HAMMOND – Students working with Southeastern Louisiana University’s student newspaper
The Lion’s Roar, earned several awards, including three first place honors, in the
2017 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 earlier this month in New Orleans.
Zachary Araki, a senior chemistry major from Slidell, received a first place
award for Best News Photo for his image capturing the demolition of the Twelve Oaks
building. Nikisun Shrestha, a senior majoring in accounting from Hammond, received
a first place award for Best Sports Photo for his photo taken during the Harlem Globetrotter’s
visit to the University Center. The staff of The Lion’s Roar also received a first
place award for Best Photo Package of photos showcasing the Miss Southeastern 2018
pageant.
Araki, who holds the position of arts and entertainment editor, elaborated on
his role and awards.
“Receiving these awards from the Louisiana Press Association is more than an
honor, it is an indicator that The Lion’s Roar is doing something right,” said Araki.
“Along with our dedicated staff, I strive to take on more responsibility to present
a newspaper worthy of such accolades.”
Annie Goodman, a senior communication major from Denham Springs, received a second
place award for Best Single Editorial focusing on sexual assault and consent. Goodman
also received a second place award in the Best News Photo category for her photo featuring
students watching the solar eclipse, as well as a third place award in the Best Feature
Story category for her piece on funding for campus programs centered around alcohol
abuse prevention.
“Winning these awards reflects my growth as a writer, photographer and person
during my time at The Lion’s Roar,” said Goodman, who was recently promoted to news
editor. “When I began working for the paper in the fall of 2016, I never imagined
myself as news editor, let alone receiving any kind of recognition for my work. The
Lion’s Roar provides an amazing atmosphere for growth and development, and I think
these awards rightfully show what can be accomplished in such an accepting and encouraging
environment.”
Sarah Hess, a senior majoring in communication from Albany, received a second
place award for her photo featuring the local business The Beaded Barber. Rachel Taylor,
a senior majoring in English education, received a third place award for her photo
featuring the Lady Lions softball team.
“Having our students recognized for their work across so many categories in the
competition demonstrates the wonderful variety of skills they each gain, grow, and
hone while working with the newspaper,” said Director of Student Publications Lee
Lind. “As they develop these skill sets, the reporters and editors of The Lion’s Roar
also provide an invaluable service to the community in covering the topics of the
day, providing a platform for free and open discussion, and supplying local information
that each of our readers can use in their daily lives. I am extremely proud of all
they do and have accomplished working together.”
Fifty newspapers, publications, and college and university student newspapers
submitted nearly 1,400 entries for judging. The Arkansas Press Association judged
this year’s competition.
