The Plainsman Press was recognized as the Best Overall Newspaper in Division 4 during the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s Spring Convention.

The first-place award was an honor for the staff of the paper, as it hasn’t been won in almost 10 years.

Advisor of the paper, Charles Ehrenfeld, says of the award, “We’re shocked and excited about this great honor. It’s rewarding to see that our students were recognized for their hard work and late nights spent producing the paper.”

The convention was held April 7-9 in Dallas at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, where 535 participants competed in events. This was the largest convention in 15 years, according to TIPA officials.

SPC won nine awards for print journalism in the previously published competition. Jacqui Streety of Levelland, editor-in-chief of the Plainsman Press for both the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 semesters, received first place in Headline Writing, as well as honorable mention for a General Column titled, “My Plans for World Domination.”

Staci Gray of Lubbock placed first in Picture Story for her series of photos on The Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. Gray is the paper’s photography editor.

Ruth Bradley of Lubbock, former editor of the paper, received a couple of honorable mention awards for a News Feature Story called “Lighting his candle,” as well as for a Picture Story. The photo essay was titled, “Portrait of a small town,” which included a series of photos on the city of Levelland.

Joe Gonzales of Whitharral, the paper’s sports editor, received an honorable mention awards for his sports column.

Joni McKinney of Lubbock, former feature editor for the paper, received two honorable mention awards. One award was for a Feature Story, “Homeless to Harvard,” as well as a Single Subject Presentation for “The Voices of Springfield.”

In addition, SPC’s broadcast journalism program placed second in the category of Public Affairs Television for their public service program on the 19^th District Congressional race documentary on Charles Stenholm and Randy Neugebauer.

Sasha Wilson, a broadcast journalism student from Lubbock, placed third in the live competition for TV announcing.

Also, Josiel Cavazos, a student in Jay Hoes’ Television Practicum course, placed third in television production.