Franklin’s Erica Irish Named Student Journalist of the Year; The Franklin Earns Multiple Awards
Campus News

Erica Irish in the classroomRecent Franklin College graduate Erica Irish was named Indiana Student Journalist of the Year by the Indiana Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists during the organization’s June 14th virtual ceremony. The event recognized the winners of the 2020 Society of Professional Journalists “Best in Indiana” Journalism Contest. Irish, along with several other Franklin College students earned accolades.

The award concluded an amazing collegiate career by Irish, who excelled academically and professionally throughout her four years of college. During her time at Franklin, Irish gained real-world experience working at the Indianapolis Business Journal, Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI. Along the way she gathered an impressive collection of awards and scholarships, including an Emmy for her work as an assistant producer on the documentary “The Children’s Crusade Revisited: Slaughterhouse-Five at 50,” a joint effort by WFYI and TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.  

Recently, at the college’s Commencement ceremony held on May 22nd, Irish was awarded the prestigious Scholarship Cup by her alma mater for achieving the highest GPA of the Class of 2021.

“Pride doesn’t even begin to describe what I feel about Erica’s achievements,” said John Krull, director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com. “Erica doesn’t just step up to challenges—she sprints to meet them. Along the way, she makes everyone around her better by making each of her colleagues feel confident and valued. Hers is a rare talent and her strength of character is even greater than her talent. It is no wonder that SPJ named her Student Journalist of the Year.”

Irish, a first-generation student, graduated from Perry Meridian High School. She is the daughter of Eric and Charise Irish of Indianapolis. Following graduation from Franklin, Irish embarked on the Orr Fellowship, gaining business experience by working as a better product community manager at Innovatemap.

Additional awards received by Franklin College students in the print and digital category at the ceremony included:

Non-Deadline News – Second place: Erica Irish, “Lost Credit,” The Franklin

Non-Deadline News – Third place: Taylor Wooten and Erica Irish, “Coverage of Former Franklin College President Thomas Minar” The Franklin. Wooten, a senior, is the daughter of Cindy Wooten and Marshall Stacy, both of Clarksville.

Editorial Cartoon – First place: Ariana Lovitt, “A new era calls for change,” The Franklin. Lovitt, a senior, is the daughter of Aaron Lovitt of Greenwood.

The judge’s comment: “A spot-on comment on a pervasive issue unfortunately at many colleges and throughout our country today.”

Column Writing – Second place: Erica Irish, “Searching,” The Franklin.

Best Design Other Than Page One or Cover – First place: Emily Hales, “Reeducation,” The Franklin. Hales, a senior, is the daughter of Philip and Christina Hales of Columbus.

The judge’s comment: “Everything about this design is professional quality, from the reader-friendly graphics to the pull quotes to the use of color and photos to the recurring book silhouette. This is an attractive and inviting design.”

Hales also received second place in the same category for “Unexcused,” The Franklin.

The Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists works to promote and protect First Amendment freedoms, offers scholarships, sponsors the annual “Best of Indiana” journalism contest and conducts professional development programs and networking opportunities for current and future journalists. 

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

Taylor Wooten and Erica Irish, “Coverage of Former Franklin College President Thomas Minar” The Franklin. Wooten, a senior, is the daughter of Cindy Wooten and Marshall Stacy, both of Clarksville.

Editorial Cartoon – First place: Ariana Lovitt, “A new era calls for change,” The Franklin. Lovitt, a senior, is the daughter of Aaron Lovitt of Greenwood.

The judge’s comment: “A spot-on comment on a pervasive issue unfortunately at many colleges and throughout our country today.”

Column Writing – Second place: Erica Irish, “Searching,” The Franklin.

Best Design Other Than Page One or Cover – First place: Emily Hales, “Reeducation,” The Franklin. Hales, a senior, is the daughter of Philip and Christina Hales of Columbus.

The judge’s comment: “Everything about this design is professional quality, from the reader-friendly graphics to the pull quotes to the use of color and photos to the recurring book silhouette. This is an attractive and inviting design.”

Hales also received second place in the same category for “Unexcused,” The Franklin.

The Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists works to promote and protect First Amendment freedoms, offers scholarships, sponsors the annual “Best of Indiana” journalism contest and conducts professional development programs and networking opportunities for current and future journalists. 

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

 

POSTED Jun 18, 2021