The Vermilion, the student newspaper of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has earned a first-place national award from the American Scholastic Press Association for the second year in a row. The Vermilion staff—made up of students from 12 different majors—was recognized for excellence in content coverage and overall quality.
“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,” said Adhamm Safford, editor-in-chief of The Vermilion from 2023-24.
The Vermilion earned 14 regional and national awards in the past five years. In 2023, The Vermillion won seven awards, including best overall newspaper at the Southeastern Journalism Conference. The paper received a second-place award from the American Scholastic Press Association in 2022.
“The Vermilion staff has consistently produced a high level of content that is important to the lives of our students, staff, faculty and alumni,” said Matthew Tarver, director of student publications. “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.
Photo caption: Staff members for The Vermilion in 2023-24, from left: (front row) Adhamm Safford editor-in chief; Sarah Guidry, managing and layout editor; Morgan Courville, copy editor; (back row) Meg Norwood, graphics manager; Ava Blanchard, layout manager; Julia McDow, design manager; Isaac Henry, sport editor. Not pictured: Alyus Dick, photo editor, Marie Ducote, Allons editor; Charlie Martin, sports editor; Nyria Mustiful, podcast manager; Kay Padilla, Allons editor. Image credit: Courtesy of The Vermilion