The Inkwell wins big at press association

The Inkwell collected five publication awards at the 59th Annual Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI) held Feb. 25-26 at Savannah State University (SSU).

In the category of four-year college/university, The Inkwell received first place for outstanding newspaper as well as first place for online newspaper.

Arts and Entertainment Editor Dash Coleman received first place in feature writing for his piece on AASU student and musician Charles Hodge, “AASU student ‘engaged with the city.’”

Web Editor Luke Farmer received first place in editorial/column writing for his weekly column, “Why it matters.”

Photo Editor Hank Sharpe received second place in best photo for his shot of Uriah Hethington during a basketball game against Lander on Feb. 28, 2009.

Contest participants included the publications of AASU, SSU, Savannah College of Arts and Design, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Bethune Cookman College, Georgia Highlands College, Macon State University, Savannah Arts Academy and Effingham County High School.

The two-day conference featured workshops, panels and critiques for student journalists and their advisers.

The theme for this year’s SRPI was “Investigative Reporting: Utilizing New Media.”

Speakers and consultants included Susan Catron of the Savannah Morning News, Jim Morekis of Connect Savannah and David Donald of The Center for Public Integrity, as well as many reporters, television news personalities and local professors.

Members of The Inkwell staff look forward to bringing what they learned at the conference to their readers.