2015 “Ouachitonian” yearbook earns recognition in national critiques
December 15, 2015 - Anna Hurst
Ouachita Baptist University’s 2015 Ouachitonian yearbook recently received recognition in two national critiques of college yearbooks.
The Ouachitonian received the All-American rating from Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and the Gold
Medalist rating from Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).
“When you pour your heart into a project, it is a wonderful feeling to receive validation
that others enjoyed your vision as much as you did,” said Ouachitonian Editor-in-Chief Aly Smith, a 2015 graduate from Sherwood, Ark.
The All-American rating is the highest award given by ACP in its critique of college
yearbooks. Yearbooks are scored based on how a publication technically compares with
other yearbooks. A second scoring recognizes liveliness, appeal, personality, imagination
and creativity in a publication. This scoring is recognized by Marks of Distinction
in each of the judging categories. Yearbooks that score a First Class in judging and
receive at least four Marks of Distinction are awarded the All-American rating. The
Ouachitonian yearbook scored First Class and the Mark of Distinction in all five categories judged:
Concept/Essentials, Content, Writing and Editing, Photography/Art/Graphics/Typography
and Layout.
The Gold Medalist rating is the highest award given by CSPA in its annual critique
of college yearbooks. The critique scorebook provides constructive feedback in areas
including writing and design. All-Columbian honors are given for special merit in
a specific category. In addition to the Gold Medalist rating, the Ouachitonian received All-Columbian honors in the visual category.
“I am extremely proud of the Ouachitonian staff and grateful for their hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Deborah Root, chair
of OBU’s Rogers Department of Communications and faculty adviser to the Ouachitonian. “The students take seriously the task of producing a quality yearbook that records
the people and events of Ouachita. A yearbook is a history book, and the elements
of writing, design and photography come together beautifully to reflect the year at
Ouachita.”
“The 2015 Ouachitonian is a very special book to me not only because it a dream come true to be able to
serve as editor-in-chief but because it was my senior book,” Smith explained. “My
goal was to capture the essence of Ouachita and life in ‘The Bubble’ through this
book. From the first night of TWIRP to all-nighters in the science building, from
the passion displayed at Battle of the Ravine to midnight cinnamon rolls in the caf
during finals week, there is a story to be told around every corner at Ouachita.”
Other staff members who contributed to the 2015 yearbook include: Amber Easterly,
a junior business administration and mass communications double major from Bryant,
Ark.; Zach Parker, a December 2015 graduate from Shreveport, La.; Abbey Little, a
junior mass communications major from Hot Springs, Ark.; Taryn Bailey, a sophomore
mass communications major from Kyle, Texas; Robert DeSoto, a junior mass communications
and Spanish double major from Sheridan, Ark.; Blaine Surber, a Dec. 2015 graduate
from Sulpher Springs, Texas; and Tyler Rosenthal, a 2015 graduate from Little Rock,
Ark.
“To receive both these honors reflects the quality of students we have,” Root added.
“They take pride in what they do, and it shows.”
For more information, contact Dr. Deborah Root at [email protected] or 870-245-5510.
By Anna Hurst
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