The Burr won first and second place in the first-person category of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Magazine Division’s student magazine contest.
Senior magazine journalism major Christina Bucciere received the first-place award for her article “My Upright Life,” which was featured in the December 2013 issue.
Seth Porges, freelance writer for magazines such as In-Style, Rolling Stone and Forbes and judge of the first-person category, referred to Bucciere’s article as “an immersive account of going through a serious medical ordeal.”
“The best first-person stories allow the reader to experience something they wouldn’t otherwise, through the eyes of the writer. That is done here,” Porges added.
Nick Shook, who graduated from Kent State this year with a degree in news journalism, was awarded second place for his article "Head Games,” which was featured in the May 2014 issue of The Burr.
Porges called Shook’s article “an eye‐opening account of what it’s like to undergo head trauma.”
“We hear a lot about concussions and sports injuries, but precious little from the [point of view] of the folks who endure them,” commented Porges. “This Story does so in a very effective and straightforward manner.”
There were 270 entries from 28 universities in this year’s AEJMC student magazine contest.
“This is one of the most competitive student magazine contests in the nation, and one of the few that gives cash prizes ($100) to the winners of each category,” said Professor Jacqueline Marino, who serves as Immediate Past Head for the AEJMC Magazine Division. Marino added that the judges are all magazine professionals and some have been judging the contest for years.
“The winning entries often stand out for some reason—extra thoughtful analysis, in-depth reporting, illuminating writing. They aren't just good; They are exceptional in some way,” said Marino.
“I am thrilled for Christina and Nick. To win first and second place in the first-person category is a real honor for Kent State. Both wrote unforgettable pieces,” said Marino.