For the second year in a row, The Vermilion, UL Lafayette’s student newspaper has earned a first-place award from the American Scholastic Press Association in New York in their national student newspaper competition. The paper was cited for “emerging creativity and journalistic knowledge” in editing, writing, photography, and graphic design.
The Vermilion staff—made up of students from 12 different majors—was recognized for excellence in content coverage and overall quality. The Vermilion earned perfect scores from the ASPA in editing, page design, and art and illustrations.
“This award is a testament not only to The Vermilion staff’s quality work, but to their ability to continue to improve even as staff and leadership change,” Adhamm Safford, editor-in-chief of The Vermilion for 2023-24 said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to watch the newspaper grow from a small crew to one that fills up every chair in the office during meetings and production. Earning an award like this one is only possible with a team that’s eager to work and learn together, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone that made The Vermilion what it is.”
“I’ve never been a part of such a diverse and talented group of people, and it is truly an honor to have all of our hard work pay off in earning this award,” Sarah Guidry, managing and layout editor of The Vermilion said. “We’re from different places and all walks of life, yet we come together to pour our shared knowledge and experiences into this publication.”
“I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with Student Publications and all of the amazing people who are a part of the organization,” Meg Norwood, graphics editor for The Vermilion said. “As part of a group of people who have so many different talents and interests, I could see how each person flourished into becoming their best selves while doing what they loved most. I am honored to see how all of our hard work paid off with this award.”
The Vermilion has earned 14 regional and national awards in the past five years. In the spring of 2023, The Vermillion, UL Lafayette’s student newspaper, won 7 awards, including best overall newspaper at the Southeastern Journalism Conference.
In October 2022, the paper received a second-place award from the American Scholastic Press Association.
“The Vermilion staff has consistently produced a high level of content that is important to the lives of of our students, staff, faculty and alumni,” Director of Student Publications Matthew Tarver said. “Our staff has grown both as individuals and as a team to develop professional-level skills while working in our office. At the same time, they have effectively preserved campus life and events for future generations.
Edith Garland Dupré started The Vermilion in 1904, and the newspaper is one of the oldest student organizations on campus.
The Vermilion student newspaper earns second consecutive first-place national award
