AwardsNews

CCSF Journalism Students Excel at Journalism Convention

By Elena Chiaruttini 

echiarut@mail.ccsf.edu 

Five CCSF journalism students were among the winners of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) State Publication Award for Spring 2024.

Every spring, the JACC hosts its annual state convention, an emblematic event for aspiring journalists. This year, the convention was held as part of the ACP Spring National College Media Conference and took place at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, San Diego, from March 7 to 9, 2024.

Although the Department of Journalism at San Francisco City College was unable to attend the convention, its students still managed to make their mark.

Despite not being physically present, five students from San Francisco City College were recognized for their work through the mail-in contest, in which advisors submitted content and publications for competition ahead of the convention. Among them were both current and former journalism students.

Illustrator Sarah Clayson placed first in Editorial Cartooning with her piece, and had two honorable mentions in Illustration and Magazine Illustration.

Last semester’s Opinion Editor Diana Greer placed second in the Opinion category with her piece. 

Writer and Illustrator Tyler Lyn Sorrow placed third for Sports Feature, 

Staff Writer Jack Gillen placed fourth for Sports Game Story. Bob Kinoshita received an honorable mention in Sports Action Photography.

Etc. Magazine also received the Meritorious Award for Magazine General Excellence, and its staff was awarded fourth place for Design and Layout.

“Awards are always something good to get because [JACC] is a prestigious organization and it highlights the strength of our students to compete and win awards,” said department chair Juan Gonzales. “Whether it’s writing, illustration, photography, or design.”

According to Gonzales, student outcomes at these kinds of events not only reflect individual skills but also underscore the effectiveness of the journalism program in nurturing and building those skills.

“Every year, our students are winning awards, and that’s an indication we are doing our job,” Gonzales said. “It’s really satisfying, I’m happy for them, for our faculty and our program.” 

“It’s a nice acknowledgment,” said photographer Bob Kinoshita, who’s not a first-time winner.

Kinoshita took some journalism classes and currently freelances for the Guardsman as a photographer. “I got into photography back in 2015, here at campus, I took five classes within the photography department and I learned a lot, especially with Photography 51, that taught me a lot.” 

Gonzales mentioned how these achievements are a feather in the cap of City College itself, for having a program with students who are able to achieve these good results.

Another student who’s not a first-timer of JACC awards is Sarah Clayson, who’s studying biology at City College but is also into illustration. “It’s really satisfying being recognized for my hard work,” she said. 

 

The Guardsman