The Octagon received third place in the Best of Show contest for its most recent issue at the spring JEA/NSPA journalism convention in San Diego, April 10-13.
Adviser Patricia Fels said she was excited about the award.
“It’s the best we’ve ever done in Best of Show since we’ve entered a 12-page issue,” she said.
Seven staffers also won individual Write-Off contests.
Senior Connor Martin received his third “Superior” (highest honor) rating, maintaining his perfect record in review writing contests.
“I always second-guess what I wrote while I’m waiting for the results,” Martin said. “This time I had an especially severe second-guessing, though I think realizing flaws in my writing is a good sign.
“Nevertheless, I am ecstatic that I have a perfect three.”
Five staffers received Superiors, and two received Excellents (the second highest honor).
At the convention, students attended sessions on subjects such as videography, news gathering techniques and journalistic law and ethics. With over 100 schools in the nation attending, students also exchanged publications and ideas.
When not attending sessions, students had the option to attend a dance as well as explore the Gaslamp Quarter, a historical section of San Diego filled with dining, entertainment and urban shopping.
The next fall journalism convention will be held in Washington D.C.; the spring convention will be in Denver, Colo.
