The Vermilion, the student-produced newspaper at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has earned a first place from the American Scholastic Press Association for the third straight year.
The nonprofit ASPA supports student journalism and writing. It honors college and high school newspapers as part of its annual newspaper contest with the following designations: first place with special merit, first place, second place and third place.
The Vermilion – with a staff of 30 students from 12 different majors – was among a host of student-produced newspapers that recently received an ASPA first-place ranking.
The Vermilion was recognized for excellence in content coverage, editing, art, illustrations and overall quality, according to information from the University’s Office of Student Publications. It also earned perfect scores in page design and creativity as part of the recent ASPA competition.
“The Vermilion staff has been consistent in producing an extremely high level of content that is well received by our students, staff, faculty and alumni,” said Matthew Tarver, director of Student Publications.
“For more than 120 years, The Vermilion staff has overcome any internal or external obstacles, to develop professional-level skills while effectively preserving campus life and events for future generations,” he added.
The Vermilion was established by Edith Garland Dupré in 1904. It is one of the oldest student organizations on campus.
Photo caption: Staff members for The Vermilion in 2024-25 include front row, from left: Joanne Seow; Kayla Woods-Crane; Caitlyn Comeaux; Kay Padilla, editor in chief; and Ramudhi Kariyawasam, managing and news editor. Middle row, from left: Sadie Burrell; Vallen Power; Ellie Schmidt; and Isabelle Brumley. Back row, from left: Alyus Dick; Charlie Martin; and Jarrett Roberts. Photo credit: Courtesy of The Vermilion