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(New Orleans, La. – April 21, 2020) On a roll as they cover headlines and happenings related to COVID-19, journalism students from ��������’s celebrated School of Communication and Design are celebrating a raft of honors and awards picked up this year at The Society of Professional Journalist Region 12 Conference.

The wins come on the heels of to honor the best in professional and college journalism in 2019.

“At Loyola New Orleans, our journalism and communication students are trained across all platforms so that they may hit the ground running the minute they join their first newsroom,” said Sonya Duhé, director of Loyola’s prize-winning School of Communication and Design.

“Geared to excel in all endeavors, they make their mark as photographers, writers, directors and producers. We are so proud of our students, the communications leaders of tomorrow.”

The Society of Professional Journalists annually presents Mark of Excellence Awards, honoring the best in collegiate journalism. First place regional winners move forward to the national competition.

“These awards celebrate hard-hitting stories and photos about pivotal events of our time,” said Michael Giusti, chair of the journalism department of Loyola. “The SPJ awards annually demonstrate that Loyola journalism students can compete neck and neck against professional journalists -- and shine.”

Awards and recipients presented this year to Loyola journalism students include:

Breaking News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: “One dead in Hard Rock Hotel collapse” – by Lily Cummings and Andres Fuentes, ��������

Finalist: “Sexual battery at The Boot, third incident linked to the bar this semester” – by Erin Snodgrass, ��������

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General News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 students

Winner: “Student activists move to end condom ban on campus” – by Gabriella Killett and Caroline Budd, ��������

Finalist: “Sexual assault suspect released on bond” – by Erin Snodgrass, ��������

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In-Depth Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 students

Winner: “College students turn to wax marijuana concentrates to get high” – by Rose Wagner, ��������

Finalist: “Faking it: Students use fake IDs to circumvent drinking laws” – by Erin Snodgrass, ��������

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Feature Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: “Nightmare bar scene plays out Uptown for senior” – by Emma Ruby, ��������

Finalist: “Loyola musicians find a home in Tulane’s marching band” – by Rose Wagner, ��������

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Editorial Writing

Finalist: Gabriela Carballo, ��������

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Best All-Around Non-Daily Student Newspaper

Finalist: Loyola Maroon – by Staff of Loyola Maroon, ��������

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Breaking News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students

Winner: “Hard Rock implosion” – by Andres Fuentes, ��������

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Feature Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: “Running of the bulls” – by Andres Fuentes, ��������

Finalist: “Zombie actress” – by Michael Bauer, ��������

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General News Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: “Water main break” – by Alexandria Whitten, ��������

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Sports Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: “Cross country runner” – by Sabelo Jupiter, ��������

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Television General News Reporting

Finalist: “Businesses and residents affected by Hard Rock Hotel collapse” – by Tess Rowland, ����������

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Television Breaking News Reporting

Winner: “One dead in Hard Rock Hotel collapse” – by Lily Cummings, ��������