Ouachita Stories

The Ouachitonian yearbook from Ouachita Baptist University received six Gold Circle Awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) in New York City. The awards recognize superior work by student journalists throughout the United States and in overseas schools.

CSPA is affiliated with Columbia University and honors student achievement in newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, online media and video. This year’s awards represent work published in the 2010 Ouachitonian yearbook.

“I’m proud of our students and their outstanding work on our student publications,” said Dr. Deborah Root, chair of the Rogers Department of Communications and Ouachitonian adviser. “The students work very hard to produce a publication that represents the people and programs of the university. I’m grateful to our administration and the university as a whole for providing the resources and people it takes to produce a quality publication.”

“It is always a refreshing and welcomed feeling to be rewarded for a year’s worth of hard work,” said Megan Lindsey, a 2010 mass communications graduate from Camden, Ark., and editor of the 2010 Ouachitonian. Lindsey earned two Certificate of Merit Awards for People Spreads.

“I'm certain that not many people are aware that so much time goes into the process of constructing a yearbook piece, whether it’s a people profile, a catchy headline or a feature story,” Lindsey added. “I am thrilled to see myself and my staff members recognized for their great accomplishments in writing for the Ouachitonian. It gives me a great sense of pride for the 2010 yearbook and the staff that helped me make it award-winning!"

Cassie Harrell, a senior mass communications major from Ruston, La., and Becca Watts, a senior mass communications major from Smackover, Ark., both earned Certificate of Merit Awards for Headline Writing; Harrell and Watts serve as co-editors of the 2011 Ouachitonian. Bethany Moss, a senior Biblical studies major from Mesquite, Texas, and Tanner Huffman, a junior mass communications and graphic design major from Wynne, Ark., each earned Certificate of Merit Awards for Personality Writing.

Earlier this year, the 2010 Ouachitonian was awarded the Gold Medalist award from CSPA, the highest award given in the organization’s critique of student publications.

For more information, contact Dr. Deborah Root at [email protected] or (870) 245-5510.