From Staff Reports
Five student staff members of The Southeastern newspaper and The Savage Storm yeardisc attended the 2011 Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association Conference at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on March 31.
The conference featured educational sessions with lectures from professors, writers, editors and producers to recognize that students are involved in not only the production of newspapers and yearbooks but also broadcast stations, websites and magazines. The conference was immediately followed by an awards luncheon.
The student attendees included Yearbook Editor Alisha Loyd, News Editor Lornna Bates, Staff Writers Chrissy Dill and Samantha Perera and Contributing Writer Jerreck McWilliams.
Individual Awards were awarded to Bates, Second Place in News Writing, and Loyd, Third Place in News Photography.
The Southeastern newspaper, led by Managing Editor Brandi Bunch, received an Award of Merit in the category of Overall Newspaper and Honorable Mention in Interior Page Design.
The Savage Storm yeardisc, placed in every category offered in the yearbook competition, including an Award of Merit in the competition for Theme, Content and Coverage and Photography. The Savage Storm yeardisc also achieved Honorable Mention in Layout & Design and Overall Yearbook categories.
Bates was also elected to the OCMA Student Advisory Board, consisting of two student representatives from four-year colleges, two from two-year colleges and an at-large faculty representative. Advisory Board members serve for one year and are intermediary representatives of OCMA and the Oklahoma collegiate media.
“I have been to one last year, and I have to say that I was not impressed” says Loyd. “It lacked the informational guidance that I needed. I have to say, last year was a lot better.”
“I thought that it could have been organized a bit better,” said Perera. I did enjoy some of the lectures though and found them very informative.”
“Since this was my first time to attend, I thought the conference was a good experience and an impressive concept,” said Bates. “I think Alisha and I were happy to receive recognition as well. While attending the student advisory board nominations meeting, conference creator Joey Senat did mention that this was his initial go at the conference and was going to be a learning process for all involved.”
Dr. Shannon McCraw, associate professor of Art, Communication and Theatre attended the conference as the sponsor for the Southeastern student delegates.
McCraw also introduced the students to bacon cheese fries at the original Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater.
“The bacon and cheese fries were delicious and I would like to thank Dr. McCraw for treating us,” said Loyd.