Student Newspaper Wins Best in Show

Joliet Junior College’s student newspaper, The Blazer, has been named Best in Show by the Illinois Community College Journalism Association (ICCJA).

The paper’s staff was honored at the ICCJA’s fall conference, held Oct. 4 at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston. This is the second straight year The Blazer won top honor for the award, which is based on its first issue of the academic year and judged by a committee of EIU faculty. JJC was among nine Illinois community colleges participating in the competition.

The Blazer Best in Show
From left: Writer Arianna Karnezis, Assistant Production Manager
and Photographer Meghan Blenck, Writer Ricky Saravia,
Co-Editor Jessica Mack, and Faculty Advisor Bob Marcink.

“I was absolutely ecstatic when they called our name,” said Jessica Mack, the paper’s co-editor. “I was also extremely proud of the team and how well they handled the pressure for it being our first issue of the semester. It's one of the best things in the world that something you've worked on so hard gains recognition.”

The Blazer is comprised of 18 active members, most of whom are new to the team. Mack said only a few current members were on staff last year. 

“Winning this award I believe motivates us to work even harder and have another great paper for the next conference coming up during the spring semester, and to just continue to be our very best to the students and to the school providing relevant and timely information,” said Mack.

Faculty Advisor Bob Marcink said he’s proud of the staff, adding that despite several new contributors they published an excellent first issue.

Articles from The Blazer is available online at www.jjcblazer.com.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.