Student News Organizations
The St. Juan Diego Collegiate Awards recognize excellence in journalism and communications by students and alumni of Catholic colleges and universities.
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Digital Media
S101: Best Video Presentation of Faith on Campus
This category is for original content about faith life on campus. Judges consider the quality and impact of the submission. An entry consists of a URL where the content may be viewed by judges.
S102: Best Video - News (NEW)
This category is for original news content. Judges consider the quality and impact of the submission. An entry consists of a URL where the content may be viewed by judges.
S103: Best Video - Feature (NEW)
This category is for original feature story content. Judges consider the quality and impact of the submission. An entry consists of a URL where the content may be viewed by judges.
S121: Best Collegiate Blog (UPDATED)
This category is for content pertaining to current events that directly impact student life and posted on an officially sanctioned college/university student news organization blog site. An entry consists of 3-5 blog entries by a permanent URL link.
S122: Best Collegiate Podcast/Radio Show (UPDATED)
This category is for media content that directly impacts student life and is posted on a student news organization or broadcast on a college/university radio station. An entry consists of one to three episodes, edited, if necessary, to no more than 15 minutes in length. Entries may be uploaded as an MP3 audio file, or as a URL.
S131: Best Podcast/Radio Segment (UPDATED)
This category is for podcast content posted on a student news organization or broadcast on a college/university radio station. This must be a single episode. An entry consists of one episode, edited, if necessary, to no more than 15 minutes in length. The URL must be embedded into a PDF document for uploading.
S141: Best Multimedia Package (NEW)
This category recognizes comprehensive reporting that combines text, visuals, audio, and video. An entry consists of the webpage URL where judges may view the presentation.
S151: Best Use of Multimedia for Storytelling (NEW)
This category recognizes the best use of photo galleries, videos, and other online resources to enhance a publication’s online presentation of a story or stories. The work may cover a span of years but must be published within the program publication deadline. An entry consists of the webpage URL where judges may view the presentation.
Editorial
S201: Best Article about Faith on Campus
This category is for original content about faith life on campus. Judges consider the quality and impact of the submission. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL where the content may be viewed by judges. For video submissions please enter S101.
S202: Best Article on Social Justice (UPDATED)
This category features articles about social justice issues, such as human dignity, rights and responsibilities, and solidarity. The work may be from 2024 or cover a span of years but must be published within the program publication deadline. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page(s) on which the article was published.
S203: Best Literary Writing
This category is for the best creative writing piece authored by a student published in a college or university publication whether in print or digital format. This category may include short stories, poems, essays, or reviews. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S204: Best Investigative Reporting (NEW)
This category recognizes in-depth research and reporting that uncovers important issues or exposes wrongdoing. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S205: Best Feature Story (NEW)
This category recognizes well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking human-interest stories. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S206: Best News Reporting
This category recognizes accurate and timely reporting of important events on campus or in the community. This includes on and off campus events. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S207: Best Coverage of Culture or Diversity (UPDATED)
This category recognizes reporting that promotes understanding of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. This can also include projects or stories that actively involve the local community or have a positive impact.
S208: Environmental Journalism Award
This category recognizes exceptional coverage of environmental issues and sustainability. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S209: Student Press Freedom Award (UPDATED)
This category recognizes efforts to promote and protect the principles of free speech and press freedom. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S210: Social Justice Reporting
This category recognizes journalism that sheds light on social injustices and advocates for positive change in the community. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S211: Best Use of Data in Journalism
This category recognizes innovative use of data analysis and visualization to support storytelling. Entry may include graphs, charts, or maps along with an explanation of data and findings.
S212: Best Investigative Series
This category recognizes a series of investigative articles that collectively contribute to a significant narrative. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S213: In-Depth Profile Feature (UPDATED)
This category recognizes in-depth profiles that offer deep insights into individuals, issues, or events. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S214: Editorial Graphic or Cartooning (UPDATED)
This category recognizes thought-provoking and impactful editorial cartoons. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S215: Best written coverage of faith through events held off campus (NEW)
This category recognizes journalism that covers off campus events (such as covering building Habitat homes, participating in rallies/marches, volunteering at local shelters, retreats, or national/international immersion trips.) Although other elements may be uploaded to the submission the judges will focus on the article and how well the content demonstrated students living out our faith.
Design
S301: Best Front Page
This category recognizes the artwork of an issue’s front page. Judging is based on typography, headline weight, compelling use of graphics, and the degree to which the layout draws the eye over the entire page. An entry consists of one PDF file of the front page only (not the entire issue).
S302: Best Use of Graphics with an Article
This category recognizes the graphics used specifically on a single page or spread accompanying an article. Judges view the graphics with an eye toward design and how it was used to convey a story or theme and make the page/spread appealing to readers. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page.
S303: Best Layout and Design for Print Publication (UPDATED)
This category recognizes aesthetically pleasing and well-organized print layouts. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
S304: Best Layout and Design for Digital Publication (NEW)
This category recognizes aesthetically pleasing and well-organized digital layouts. An entry consists of one PDF file of the page(s) on which the work was published.
Photography
S401: Best Photos Representing Faith on Campus
This category recognizes original content about faith life on campus. Judges consider the quality and impact of the submission. An entry consists of one to five PDF files where the content may be viewed by judges. For video submissions please enter S101.
S402: Best Use of Multimedia for Storytelling
This category recognizes the best use of photo galleries, videos, and other online resources to enhance a publication’s online presentation of a story or stories. The work may cover a span of years but must be published within the program publication deadline. An entry consists of the webpage URL where judges may view the presentation.
S403: Best Single Photo – Feature (UPDATED)
This category recognizes the best single feature photo in digital format. Photos may be black and white or color. Manipulated images may be submitted only if they were identified as such when published. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published, and a second PDF file containing an image of the photo by itself.
S404: Best Single Photo – News (UPDATED)
This category recognizes the best single photo for news in digital format. Photos may be black and white or color. Manipulated images may be submitted only if they were identified as such when published. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the page on which the photo was published, and a second PDF file containing an image of the photo by itself.
S405: Best Photo Story – Feature (UPDATED)
This category is for a feature photo story that has a cohesive group of select images that by themselves, with little added text, that tells a story. The photo story should include opening and closing shots, with each picture moving the story along for the viewer. Text and photo layout/design are secondary and will be judged as such. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the photos were published.
S406: Best Photo Story – News (UPDATED)
This category is for a feature photo story that has a cohesive group of select images by themselves, with little added text that tells a news story. The photo story should include opening and closing shots, with each picture moving the story along for the viewer. Text and photo layout/design are secondary and will be judged as such. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the photos were published.
S407: Best Photo Story – Sports
This category recognizes the best photo story in sports. A photo story is a cohesive group of select images that by themselves, with little added text that tell a story. The photo story should include opening and closing shots, with each picture moving the story along for the viewer. Text and photo layout/design are secondary and will be judged as such. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the photos were published.
S408: Best Story and Photo Package by an Individual
This category recognizes one article or feature on any topic consisting of both image(s) and written content together. Judges will consider creativity and the ability to tell a compelling story, as well as the overall impact of the photo and story together as one piece. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published.
S409: Best Story and Photo Package by Two Individuals or More
This category recognizes one article or feature on any topic consisting of both image(s) and written content together. Judges will consider creativity and the ability to tell a compelling story, as well as the overall impact of the photo and story together as one piece. Publisher and Freelance Members may enter this category. An entry consists of one PDF file containing the pages on which the story and photo package were published. This entry may be collaboration work with freelance individuals.
Individual Excellence
S501: Excellence in Visual Storytelling
This category recognizes exceptional use of any of the following: graphics, infographics, and visual elements to enhance storytelling. Entire Newscasts are eligible. Work may not be related to one another but must be published on the publication’s website or in print depending on publication. A letter of recommendation or explanation may be submitted for judges to view information or breakdown of elements.
S502: Editorial Writer of the Year (UPDATED)
This category recognizes insightful and persuasive opinion pieces that contribute to meaningful discourse. Entry includes 3-5 elements where judges can view a variety of work. Work may not be related to one another but must be published on the publication’s website or in print depending on publication. A letter of recommendation or explanation may be submitted for judges to view information or breakdown of elements.
S503: Photojournalist of the Year (UPDATED)
This category recognizes the impactful visual storytelling through powerful photographs. Entry includes 3-5 elements where judges can view a variety of work. Work may not be related to one another but must be published on the publication’s website or in print depending on publication. A letter of recommendation or explanation may also be submitted for judges to view more information or breakdown of elements.
S505: Sports Journalist of the Year (UPDATED)
This category recognizes outstanding coverage of sports events, profiles, or analyses. Entry includes 3-5 elements where judges can view a variety of work. Work may not be related to one another but must be published on the publication’s website or in print depending on publication. A letter of recommendation or explanation may also be submitted for judges to view more information or breakdown of elements.
S506: Videographer of the Year (UPDATED)
This category recognizes the impactful storytelling through innovative shots, use of video to impact the work and integrity of the overall work . Entry includes 3-5 elements where judges can view a variety of work. Work may not be related to one another but must be published on the publication’s website or in print depending on publication. A letter of recommendation or explanation may also be submitted for judges to view more information or breakdown of elements.
S507: Podcaster of the Year (UPDATED)
This category recognizes outstanding coverage of storytelling through a podcast platform. Entry includes 3-5 elements where judges can view a variety of work. Work may not be related to one another but must be published on the publication’s website or in print depending on publication. A letter of recommendation or explanation may also be submitted for judges to view more information or breakdown of elements.
S550: Journalist of the Year
This category recognizes the skill of the writer covering a topic. Judges critique the quality and conciseness of the work as well as the writer’s ability to convey the message. Photos, charts, and illustrations entries are not considered. Entry can be a single story OR series of any subject matter covering a group, trend, or event of general interest. Community service, volunteerism, and personality profiles work well in this category. An entry consists of one PDF file or URL where the content may be viewed by judges.
General Excellence
S601: Best Student News Organization (NEW)
This category recognizes the Best College/University Student Publication. Judges consider each of the following criteria: selection of stories, originality, quality of writing and headlines, columns, editorials, and letters to the editor, quality and appropriateness of art and graphics, and overall design. Entry consists of a PDF of three consecutive issues of the publication or a URL where the publications can be viewed. You may also send three hard copies of the issues to theCMA office.
- If you have a bi-yearly publication please upload those two magazines in the file space provided.
- Video content and visuals can also be added to support entries in this category.
S602: Best New Student Publication (NEW)
This category recognizes newly established student publications for 2023 and 2024 that have demonstrated high-quality journalism. Judges consider each of the following criteria: selection of stories, originality, quality of writing and headlines, columns, editorials, and letters to the editor, quality and appropriateness of art and graphics, and overall design.
- If you have a bi-yearly publication please upload those two magazines in the file space provided.
- Video content and visuals can also be added to support entries in this category.