Multimedia journalists honored by South Carolina Press Association

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Multimedia journalists honored by South Carolina Press Association

Posted on: March 30, 2026; Updated on: March 30, 2026
By Patty Hall, phall@sc.edu

Multimedia journalism students on the Carolina News & Reporter and The Daily Gamecock staffs were recognized with multiple awards by the South Carolina Press Association at the Collegiate Annual News Conference and Contest held Friday, March 27, at the SCPA office in Columbia.

The awards recognize excellence in student journalism and honor top work created by college newspapers, magazines and media outlets across the state. Students compete in categories such as writing, design, photography, multimedia and illustration.

"The work these student-journalists create is amazing. Both our Capstone journalists and our journalism majors who also choose to work at the student-run Daily Gamecock are better prepared than other candidates when they hit the job market," says instructor Eileen Waddell. "They know better how to get a story, and they have stellar skills — in interviewing, reporting, writing, photography and videography."

Winners were recognized for covering a wide range of 2025 topics, including issues in nursing homes, coverage of the Carolina Cup and use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.

Junior multimedia journalism student Sydney Lewis is also editor-in-chief of the Garnet & Black magazine.

Junior multimedia journalism student Sydney Lewis earned second place in the Specialty Page Design category for her piece about a South Carolina pig sanctuary giving abused and abandoned animals a second chance. This is the first time a student has won an online design award.

"I had so much fun on this story and design, and I'm so grateful to have it recognized," Lewis says. "The SCPA collegiate conference was a great experience, too."

Carolina News & Reporter staff swept the video category awards. Julia Spies earned first place for her short documentary highlighting the annual hands-on experience held each spring during the Carolina Cup steeplechase. The video has received multiple honors, including a second-place national Pinnacle Award from the College Media Association and an honorable mention from the AEJMC Festival of Visual & Interactive Media.

"It's rewarding to see our students recognized for the exceptional quality of their work," says instructor Renée Ittner-McManus. "The stories these students produce highlight the power of visual storytelling in journalism."