To experience the world of journalism and create new memories, LBCC journalism students attended the Journalism Association of Community Colleges State Conference at Burbank Marriot from Thursday, March 22 to Saturday, March 24.
Each semester gives students the opportunity to attend and receive awards for their work on the Viking News, competing against other community colleges with in the state to learn and understand more of the journalism industry.
With many schools attending, The Viking earned a total of 10 awards for the state conference including a first in Viking News history of the Pacesetter Award which honors general excellence to the top four schools in mail-in and on-the-spot competition annually.
Journalism major Erin Asis, 22, said about her second time attending the conference, “This one was more organized than last year, I was able to enjoy it than my last.”
Asis originally did not feel confident with where she competed, though ended up winning fourth place in the on-the-spot contest for News photo. “It was my first time competing in photo, I did it to get out of my comfort zone and it worked out!”
In addition to the mail-in awards, former editor-in-chief Amanda Rodriguez earns fourth place in sports photo as well.
On her first time attending the state conference, Journalism major Anna Karkalik, 20, also competed with feature writing. “It was interesting, I learned a lot and make friends with other schools. I was also learning tips from them to make our newspaper better too.”
Recognition for their work included honorable mentions for Hayley Hart in magazine photo and story essay, Lisette Mendoza in Illustration and Osbiel Montano for sports feature. Joshua Miller earns first place in Illustration for cover page.
The conference also honored two retiring teachers who have been a part of JACC in many years, Long Beach City College’s Pat McKean and Citrus College’s Meg O’Neil.
Both teachers were honored by their former and current students and coworkers, along with speeches to appreciate the work they have done not only for JACC, but also in their respective journalism career.
