The 2019 Illinois Community College Journalism Association Conference was canceled this year, but the IV Leader won several awards for its articles, photos, and editing.  

Every year the ICCJA holds a conference that students may attend where they can learn more about journalism and how to become a better news writer. Students and advisors of community college newspapers are judged by professional journalists from across the state. 

Although the 2019 conference was canceled due to COVID-19, IV Leader still had several award winners who will be receiving plaques and certificates for their accomplishments.  

Among the awards, the IV Leader won first place in General Excellence. The judges’ comments said, “Great photos, good design, lots of interesting features and tons of news.” 

The 2019 ICCJA Conference winners from IV Leader are as follows: 

•  Emerson Roden, Third Place, Editorial Cartoon 
• Kacie Cusick, Honorable Mention, Graphics 
• Jocelyn Islas Garcia, Third Place, Feature Photo 

• Summer Hoagland, First Place, Front Page Design 
• Sydney Johnson, Honorable Mention, Front Page Design 
• Sydney Johnson, First Place, News Column 
• Alex Martinez, Third Place, News Column 
• Regan Baker, Third Place, News Column 

• Patrick Foley, Second Place, News Photo 
• Elle Bottom, Honorable Mention, News Story 
• Jacob Steinberg, First Place, Sports News 
• Chloe Garkey, Second Place, Sports Feature 
• Staff, First Place, Mike Foster general excellence