Simply the best

Southern University and A&M College official newspaper, The Southern DIGEST, was awarded the highest honor of the 2005 HBCU “Excellence in Journalism” Student Newspaper Contest, when it was named best student newspaper (twice-weekly).
Judged by the Black College Communication Association, the mark of distinction was announced Feb. 10 at the 8th annual HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair, which was held in Greensboro, N.C.
“I think it’s a great summation of the hard work that the staff puts in,” said Derick Hackett, director of student media services. “Our students have great pride in the work that they do and show real dedication. The students give up a lot of their personal lives and their personal time.”
It was in 2004 when The DIGEST began publishing on Tuesdays and Fridays. Prior to that it was a weekly publication and received numerous accolades as a weekly newspaper.
In addition to best newspaper, the DIGEST received many other honors for work done throughout 2005. The paper received first place in best design (tabloid); third place for the best use of photography and best sports coverage categories, and honorable mentions for the best news coverage, best special section, best features and A&E section. The Jaguar Yearbook also won an honorable mention nod.
Photo editor Joshua Halley placed first and third place in the best sports photograph category, while former photo editor Douglas Toussaint received an honorable mention nod. Staff writer Brandi Worley received first place for best news feature writing and DIGEST cartoonist Wilbert Norwood placed first for best editorial cartoon.
Nikki G. Bannister, DIGEST editor in chief, said the awards set a standard for up-and-coming staff members. Lea Johnson, one of the newest additions to the DIGEST’s staff, said it is a standard she is willing to try and achieve.
“It makes me more excited to continue working here,” Johnson said. “I’m looking forward to sticking with the DIGEST because it is a really good team. Coming in as a new writer, the older staff has really set the bar and I look forward to keeping up the good work.”
Amber Perry, DIGEST culture and entertainment editor, placed second for her criticism of the movie “Rent.” She said she was not surprised when the paper was named best student newspaper, because all along she has been confident if the staff’s ability to produce quality work.
“I was not shocked that we won best newspaper,” Perry said. “We have a very talented staff that has gone over and above what our job descriptions call. The late-night hours in the office and the personal struggles we had were forgotten when it was announced that we won.”
Bannister rounded out the awards with a first place award for best individual photograph, second place for best headline and several honorable mention nods.
“We worked hard and started the academic year with a very rocky start,” Bannister said. “But this just shows others who think differently that the DIGEST isn’t going anywhere too soon.
“I know that we won the top honor under my watch,” she said. “But it was a collective effort. I don’t stay in that office by myself writing, editing and proofing that paper. I hope people realize just how much goes into putting out a publication such as The DIGEST.”
Managing editor Terry Jones was excited about receiving the accolades. He said the categories won and lost would prepare the staff for next year’s contest expectations.
“Winning best student newspaper was a very pleasant shock that I feel we have worked very hard,” Jones said. “I look forward to defending that honor next year.”
The DIGEST has been in circulation since 1928 and won over 60 awards since 2000 alone. It serves a population of over 10,000 students and 2,500 faculty and receives hits on its online edition, www.southerndigest.com, comparable to larger regional daily newspapers.
“We are good at what we do and we will only get better,” Bannister said. “We have earned a reputation for credibility and effective reporting. “We have staff members contributing to wire services, along with daily newspapers throughout the country. We didn’t win best newspaper for nothing.”