Louisiana Tech University students and one faculty member received a plethora of awards from the National Federation of Press Women’s At-Large contest. Those who placed first will compete at the national level. Students who received awards worked for either “The Tech Talk,” the student-run newspaper at Louisiana Tech University, or for SPEAK magazine, a Louisiana Tech publication. “Congratulations are in order for journalism students and staff for their exemplary performance in the National Federation of Press Women¹s At-Large contest,” said Dr. Reginald Owens, the F. Jay Taylor endowed chair of journalism.  “This is a testament to the hard work including the dedication to task and the long hours that it takes to produce quality award-winning work. There is a lot of sacrifice here. Please note: This is just one such contest out of six where our students have won scores of top awards.” Students who received awards were:

• Rebekah Barnes, a political science major from Dubach — 1st place in news writing;
• Brian Blakely, a senior math major from Slidell — 1st place, photography;
• Devin Dronett, a senior communication design major from Lake Charles — 1st place in layout, 2nd place in photography and 3rd place in photography;
• John Sadler, a senior journalism major from Extension – 1st place, opinion/editorial/reviews;
• Matt Valcho, a senior communication major from Benton — 1st place, feature writing;
• Kailee Courts, a senior modern languages major from Jennings— 2nd place, news writing;
• Rosalynne Fluty, a senior communication design major from Ruston — 2nd place in layout and design;
• Michael Hoge, a junior journalism major from Hensley, Arkansas — 2nd place, opinion/editorial/reviews;
• Frededreia Willis, a junior journalism major from Lake Providence, 2nd place, features writing;
• Rachel Maxwell, a junior communication major from Benton — 3rd place, feature writing; and
• Cody Sexton, a 2015 journalism graduate from Newport, Arkansas — honorable mention, feature writing.

Additionally, Dr. Judith Roberts, an assistant professor in the department of communication and media studies, won first place in the corporate/for-profit blog writing category.