YSU’s Jambar Wins Awards in Collegiate Journalism Competition

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Jambar, the student-run newspaper at Youngstown State University, placed second in overall excellence in Division A of the Ohio News Media Association’s 2024 Collegiate Journalism contest.

Division A recognizes schools with enrollments of 10,000 or more students. Among these schools are Bowling Green State University, Kent State University and The Ohio State University.

Along with the overall excellence award, The Jambar earned recognition in six individual categories, including a first-place finish for former Editor-in-Chief Shianna Gibbons in the headline writing category. In the website category, Austin Caroline, Christopher Gillett and Mohammad Haram Kafil earned second place.

The Jambar also won third place in design, news coverage, opinion writing and sports coverage.

Some judges provided glowing comments about The Jambar staff. For student designers Madison Fessler, Kaitlyn Livingston and Jessica Stamp, who helped The Jambar earn the design category award, the judges wrote: “Classic design, clean lines, and a good mix of elements.”

On opinion writing, the judges wrote: “The column on privilege was especially good. People immediately put up their defenses when told they have ‘privilege,’ but this column explains how it’s not an insult, but just a truth, and shares how people can use that privilege for good. Very approachable writing.”

Mary Beth Earnheardt, chair of the YSU Communication Department and the former student media adviser, said the department is proud of the student journalists’ hard work and dedication.

“This recognition from the Ohio News Media Association is a testament to their commitment to excellence in reporting, writing and visual presentation,” she said.

For more information about The Jambar and YSU’s journalism and media programs, contact Earnheardt at 330 941 3631 or [email protected].

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.