PCC newspaper receives silver at state

Pratt Community College’s newspaper, The Pratt American, received a silver award in state competition, with one student also placing individually.

The Kansas Associated Collegiate Press hosted a conference and a banquet in Hutchinson on April 17-18, where they gave recognition to the top college papers and journalist in the state.

“I am extremely proud of these students, as this is a very competitive category in which we compete against all other community colleges in the state including colleges much larger than PCC,” said Heather Wilson, journalism instructor.

Wilson said they had to submit two sets of three newspapers that were printed consecutively to be judged for the award. After the paper was judged and awards were given the staff was able to see what areas they did good in and where they need to improve. Wilson said they scored perfectly in headline writing and said they need to find an artist next year to make cartoons because they were counted down for not having any.

Ashley Schmidt, of Pratt, took third place in the Individual Newspaper Photo category for a photo she took of a barrel racer during the 3-D Barrel Racing competition on Pratt’s campus and also received an honorable mention in the Individual Newspaper Photo category for a photo she took of a bull rider riding a bull during the PCC rodeo.

“I am especially proud of all of these students as many on my staff are not seeking a Journalism degree but instead are involved in other programs at PCC, including Biology, Math, Interior Design, etc,” Wilson said. “Many of the competing papers are operated by skilled students that have taken other courses relating to Journalism and are seeking a degree in the related field.”

This was The Pratt American’s second year to receive a silver placing at the competition.