Gargoyle wins best independent web site at SPJ regional conference

The Gargoyle took first place for best independent online publication at the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Region 3 awards. The online-only publication took a total of five awards, including two more first places for Editor Michael Newberger in online opinion writing and Sports Editor Mari Pothier in online sports reporting.

This is the second year a Gargoyle member took first place in the online opinion category. Last year the Gargoyle won four awards in the competition, and took second place in best independent online publication.

The paper also published a sixth award-winning piece from the Advanced Reporting class of Assistant Professor of Communication Helena Sarkio.

The Mark of Excellence Awards honor the best in student journalism, and were announced at the regional conference at the University of Florida on March 24. The awards offer categories for print, radio, television and online collegiate journalism. Entries are first judged on the regional level, and first place regional winners now advance to the national competition. Region 3 includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. This year, the contest received more than 4,000 entries across SPJ’s 12 regions.

Since becoming an online-only publication in 2010, the Gargoyle has won 9 Regional Mark of Excellence awards. Before 2010, the publication had only won 2 SPJ awards in its entire history.

Gargoyle Mark of Excellence award winners:

Best Independent Online Student Publication
1st place, Gargoyle

Online Opinion and Commentary
1st place, Michael Newberger, Gargoyle

2nd place, Eliza Jordan, Gargoyle

Online Sports Reporting
1st place, Mari Pothier, Gargoyle