Voice’s Ruby Go top community college journalist in state

Voice team recognized for reporting, writing, illustration, design

Washtenaw Voice staff writer, Ruby Go, has been named student journalist of the year by the Michigan Community College Press Association.

Dubbed the Janet Nellis Mendler Student Journalist of the Year, the honor is awarded based on stories published between March 2021 and Feb. 28, 2022. It was among the dozens of awards announced by the statewide student-journalism organization on Wednesday.

Voice writers were also recognized for best in-depth reporting, feature and sports column writing, and information-graphics among Michigan community colleges. The Voice tied with Lansing Community College for first-place in general excellence.

Voice writers swept the in-depth news category, taking first, second and third for substantial reporting projects.

The Voice winners included:

First place

• Sports column, Voice editor R.J. Hunt for a piece about the sleepy Mondays that follow Super Bowl Sunday
• Feature writing, Elinor Epperson, for her story about beekeeping
• In-depth reporting, Cydney Heed, for reporting on tuition and state funding for higher ed
• Information graphics, Jessica Pace for her presentation of data around homelessness
• General excellence, tie, the Voice team

Second place

• In-depth reporting, Voice deputy editor Jordan Scenna, for his package on campus safety amid mass shootings
• Personality profile, Ruby Go for her story about a WCC art student pursuing her passion later in life
• Editorial cartoon, Ian Loomis, for a cartoon about the ironies of Earth Day  
• Illustration, Jessica Pace, for a piece illustrating a column about night work
• Best website, the Voice team

Third place

• News story, James Cason, for a story about campus reopening in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic 
• In-depth reporting, Doina Plop, for reporting on local homelessness
• Illustration, Ian Loomis, for work accompanying a column about bossy coworkers

Honorable mention

• Illustration, Cassie Stewart, for work accompanying a column about re-adjusting to in-person learning 
• Feature writing, Ethan Berman, for a story about students pursuing new hobbies during the COVID-10 pandemic
• Critical review, James Cason, for a review of a popular noodle bar
• Sports news story, R.J. Hunt, for a story about the return of in-person sports at WCC
• Feature photo, Brenda Anderson, for photos of beekeepers at work
• Headline writing, Voice team

Judges for the annual contest come from the ranks of professional journalists, educators, and other communication specialists.

Among them was Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News, who judged the journalist of the year competition. In his comments, Clark noted winner Ruby Go’s strong ledes and choice of quotes show an understanding of voice and restraint. “There is a maturity and confidence in her writing that will grow and strengthen with every story she writes,” Clark said. 

The award was renamed this year to honor longtime Michigan journalist and educator Janet Nellis Mendler, a staunch supporter of the MCCPA. Mendler died last year at 75.

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