A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

The Oak Leaf brings home 14 JACC awards

The+Oak+Leaf+staff%2C+pictured+here+with+Santa+Rosa+Junior+College+President+Dr.+Frank+Chong+%28center%2C+blue+sweater%29%2C+won+two+on-the-spot+awards+and+12+publication+awards+at+the+2021+JACC+Virtual+Fall+Conference+Nov.+5%E2%80%937.
Erin Bricker
The Oak Leaf staff, pictured here with Santa Rosa Junior College President Dr. Frank Chong (center, blue sweater), won two on-the-spot awards and 12 publication awards at the 2021 JACC Virtual Fall Conference Nov. 5–7.

The Oak Leaf won 14 awards including first place in three categories and second place in two on-the-spot contests at the Journalism Association of Community College’s 2021 Virtual Fall Conference Nov. 5–7.

“I’m very pleased that Santa Rosa Junior College journalism students — both newer ones and veterans — captured so many well-deserved awards for their work last spring and in high-stress on-the-spot contests over the weekend,” adviser Anne Belden said. “From brave reporting on the Glass Fire and the pandemic to investigative work on campus controversies, these students showed they have the skills and talent to make it as journalists.”

The JACC conference was the third straight to be held virtually using QiqoChat and Zoom.

A major brand overhaul earlier in the semester helped The Oak Leaf receive another consecutive Online General Excellence award in recognition of the whole staff and the site’s content.

“The award speaks to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the entire staff,” Belden said.

Eighteen different Oak Leafers won awards at the convention, which included a Meritorious Award for Enterprise News for multi-article coverage of last semester’s Ari Poppers scandal.

“I am so proud of The Oak Leaf staff, both from this and last semester, for continuing to work hard and win awards during a pandemic,” Editor-in-Chief Alex Fuller said.

Full list of awards:

Enterprise News Story/Series, Meritorious Award: James Domizio, Alex Fuller, Jessica Johnson, Emma Molloy, Jennifer Sawhney, Lauren A. Spates and Cass Stewart, “SRPD investigates SRJC theatre arts employee Ari Poppers”/“Nearly a dozen current and former SRJC students accuse Ari Poppers of lewd behavior, harassment over 10-year period”/“Ari Poppers resigns from SRJC theatre arts department, SRPD investigation wraps up”

Editorial Cartoon (on-the-spot), 2nd place: Jenna McGovern

Jenna McGovern won 2nd place in the editorial cartoon contest Nov. 6 at JACC for this illustration satirizing In-N-Out’s refusal to enforce vaccine mandates. (Jenna McGovern)

Photo (on-the-spot), 2nd place: Nick Vides

Feature, 3rd place: Jessica Johnson, “Adopting a pet in a pandemic”

Editorial, 1st place: Lauren A. Spates, “SRJC should embrace a hybrid digital-and-in-person learning model — in perpetuity”

Critical Review, 1st place: Tucker Lang, “‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate’: Greta Van Fleet continue to be today’s least essential rock band”

Column, 2nd place: Michael Combs, “Opinion: I don’t want ignorant people making decisions that affect my life”/“The California stop, explained”

News Photo, Honorable Mention: Nick Vides

Feature Photo, 2nd place: Aryk Copley

Environmental Portrait, 3rd place: Emily Hewitt

Webcast/Broadcast News, 2nd place: Michael Combs, “Willow Creek Road Trail: Let summer hiking begin”

Online Photo Story/Essay, 1st place: Jonathan Bigall, Michael Combs, Aryk Copley, Peyton Krzyzek, Emma Molloy, Priscilla Navas, Willow Ornellas and Nick Vides, “Glass Fire Incident photo gallery”

Online Photo Story/Essay, 2nd place: Audrey Fry, Michael Combs and Nick Vides, “Photo gallery: BlackOut”

General Excellence, Online Edition: The Oak Leaf Staff, theoakleafnews.com

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About the Contributors
James Domizio, Magazine Editor
James Domizio (he/him) is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker in his sixth semester at The Oak Leaf, where he is a magazine editor. James will be graduating in May 2022 with degrees in journalism, film studies and humanities. James is a radio host, Twitch streamer, Patreon creator and musician. James lives in Sonoma and spends his free time watching "One Piece" and "Love Island" with his girlfriend Alex, editor-in-chief of The Oak Leaf.
Jenna McGovern, Reporter

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