By Gabriela Flores
Brooklyn College’s student-run newspaper, The Vanguard, was recognized by the New York Press Association again on May 2. This year, the publication garnered four awards, including first place for Best Sports Coverage and an honorable mention for General Excellence in the organization’s 2021 Better Newspaper Contest Awards.
“We merged two papers together, and sort of rewrote the formula a bit on the way we reported and represented Brooklyn College […] We’re really proud that the work has continued,” said Ryan Schwach, the paper’s previous Editor-in-Chief, on behalf of former editors.
NYPA’s Better Newspaper Awards began in 1930. Last year, under the paper’s previous Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor, Schwach and Moises Taveras, The Vanguard first entered the competition and won first place for “General Excellence.”
Last Monday, The Vanguard’s Sports Editor, Owen Russell, earned third place for the contest’s Best Feature Story for his work “Remembering the Kingsmen: A Look Back at Brooklyn’s Gridiron Gladiators,” which retells the anecdotes of Brooklyn College’s now-defunct football team.
“This is a fantastic story from start to finish – the lede really drew me in. Multiple voices, great quotes, nice transition and ending. Bravo!,” the NYPA judges wrote.
In 2021, Taveras was awarded third place for Best Feature Story as well.
“I’m glad to have another fellow feature writer win,” said Taveras. “A nod for general excellence is nothing to shirk at, but ultimately winning first place for Best Sports Coverage is an astounding crown jewel,” he added.
The paper’s Editor-in-Chief, Gabriela Flores, was also awarded third place for Best News Story for her piece “Students Petition To Get Eid Off.”
“This is an excellent quick-turn news story that covers a timely topic with good depth, multiple sources (student and administration) and solid writing. Well done!,” the award read.
For its 20th consecutive year, the Ithacan at Ithaca College earned first prize for Best College Newspaper, which is awarded based on performance in all award categories.
The Vanguard will receive a plaque and certificates, which will be hung in its office in Roosevelt 118.