The biggest single organization of student newspapers, the Associated Collegiate Press, awarded Shepherd University’s student newspaper The Picket with the First Class honor rating.
This student written and published newspaper intends to keep the student body and local community informed and connected to current events and news in and around the campus community.
Dr. James Lewin serves as the advisor to Shepherd University’s The Picket. For the past twelve years, The Picket has submitted six issues to the ACP for evaluation.
Lewin said, “This evaluation gives us a chance to see how we are doing and how we can improve.”
Last year, the newspaper was Second Class, which indicates that the evaluations have clearly helped to improve the paper, allowing it to receive a higher rating this year.
Ashley Hudson, senior English major and news editor of The Picket, said, “The award lets me know that we are on the right track. People are enjoying and recognizing the work that everyone has put into the newspaper. I hope we can continue to maintain the level we achieved last semester and, of course, even improve upon it.”
There are five parts to the evaluation: coverage and content; writing and editing; photos, art and graphics; layout/design; and leadership. Each part of the evaluation lists the strengths and weaknesses of the ways that the issues report news on and off the campus community.
One overall goal the newspaper strives for is to provide the reader with a great publication. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses assists the staff in developing for the next issues.
In this semester’s evaluation, it was noticed that the recognition of the human-interest, school and student perspectives into every topic was appreciated. The student reporters are aware of campus events, issues, and concerns, making every effort to get the best story published.
Heather Greenfield, senior English major and editor-in-chief of The Picket, said, “It’s an awesome honor for us. I’ve watched The Picket fight really hard the past few years to get better, and it’s rewarding to have that work recognized. I’m incredibly proud of our entire staff.”
Areas that The Picket has considered developing further are the Facebook page and the Web site. Direct communication with readers will help to improve the publication and stories covered. The newspaper can better serve the readers with opinion polls, letters to the editor, additional sports pictures and more of an online presence.
Lewin said, “We want to be the best student publication we can be.”
Michelle Fahring, ACP judge, said, “No one should cover Shepherd University better than The Picket. Keep striving for excellence!”