Southeast Missouri State University’s award-winning student newspaper, the Arrow, brought home eight national awards from the Fall National College Media Convention held in New Orleans last week. The convention, sponsored by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and the College Media Association (CMA), showcased the best in student journalism from across the country.
Dr. Tamara Buck, chair of the Department of Mass Media, brought six students to the event: Lily Niebrugge, Kora Siebert, Olivia Ketcherside, Blake Schowalter, Andon Christian, and Wesley Perez Vidal. The students earned recognition across a wide variety of categories, highlighting their versatility and skill in digital, print, audio, and video journalism.
CMA Pinnacle Awards:
- 1st Place – Reporting, Best Breaking News Coverage of Diversity: Emma Kratky
- 2nd Place – Video/Audio, Best Video Sportscast: Blake Schowalter, Beto Diez, Jeffery Long
- Honorable Mention – Video/Audio, Best Video Entertainment Program: What’s Up SEMO, Pat Buck and Hunter Caldwell
- Honorable Mention – Sports, Best Investigative Sports Story: Matt Cagle
ACP Best of Show, Division II
- 2nd Place – Newspaper/Newsmagazine (four-year campus): Staff/MC429
- 8th Place – Website, Staff
- 9th Place – Broadcast News Program: Monday Minute, Pat Buck, Producer
ACP Pacemaker Awards:
- Honorable Mention – Broadcast Commentary: Arrow on the Air, Kora Siebert, Zach Huffman, Ben Schicker
“What’s most exciting to me is the variety of awards we received,” Buck said. “Our students were recognized for producing quality content in digital, audio, video, and print, covering everything from breaking news to sports, opinion, and entertainment. This truly reflects the breadth of training we provide and the many opportunities students have to hone their craft.”
The Arrow’s election coverage also stood out at the convention, with its in-depth reporting on Missouri’s political landscape and a particular focus on issues important to Gen Z voters. Buck noted that the students’ investigative approach to elections demonstrated their commitment to meaningful journalism that connects with their peers.
“I love to see students innovating and being recognized for their work,” Buck added. “The ‘Monday Minute’ and ‘Two Minute Warning’ are prime examples of how our students are pushing boundaries and creating content in new, engaging ways.”
In addition to the awards, Buck and students Lily Niebrugge, Kora Siebert, and Olivia Ketcherside participated in a peer-reviewed panel titled “Using AI in the Editorial Process.” The session, which was attended by more than 70 conference-goers, explored how the Arrow has incorporated artificial intelligence into its content management system (CMS) to improve story organization, eliminate bias, and streamline the editorial process. The panel provided valuable insights into how AI can be used ethically and efficiently in the newsroom, addressing both benefits and challenges of this emerging technology.
During the convention’s closing ceremony, Dr. Buck received a Presidential Citation for Partnership from College Media Association President Jackie Alexander. The prestigious citation recognizes individuals and institutions who demonstrate exceptional collaboration in advancing student media. Additionally, Dr. Buck began her tenure as treasurer of the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), a role she will hold in the coming year.
For Buck, the convention offers students a chance to gain exposure to industry practices while also receiving feedback from their peers and professionals. “The convention is an incredible opportunity for students to build their professional networks, refine their skills, and gain confidence as media professionals,” she said.
As the Arrow continues to push the boundaries of student journalism, the recent awards demonstrate the growing recognition of the paper’s innovative approach to content creation and its commitment to producing high-quality, relevant journalism.