Tennessee Tech Student Journalists Earn Nationwide Recognition for Reporting, Pictures – UCBJ

Honors level to each the standard of the scholars’ work and the worth of experiential studying alternatives

(UCBJ) – Four scholar journalists from Tennessee Tech University’s scholar newspaper, The Oracle, earned nationwide recognition this spring, capturing three first-place awards and an honorable point out within the Society for Collegiate Journalists annual competitors.

The awards acknowledged excellence in sports activities function writing, information pictures, commentary and enterprise reporting.

Honored college students included Adam Hitchcock, first place in sports activities function writing; Alek Gaddis, first place in information pictures; Miguel Ortiz, first place in column or commentary; and August “Gus” Creter, honorable point out in enterprise writing.

“The success of these students reflects the talent, dedication and professionalism they brought to the newsroom throughout the year,” stated Tracey Hackett, adviser to The Oracle. “Student journalism provides an opportunity to learn by doing, and these awards demonstrate that our students are producing work that stands alongside the best collegiate journalism in the country.”

Hitchcock earned first place in sports activities function writing for “The Godfather of Tech Football,” a narrative that explored the legacy and affect of Leonard “Sonny” Allen, a Tech Sports Hall of Fame inductee and the oldest dwelling former Tech soccer participant.

“It means the world to me that my work is being acknowledged on a national level,” Hitchcock stated. “I couldn’t believe what they were telling me. I was just shocked and overwhelmed by happiness.”

Hackett praised Hitchcock’s expertise for narrative storytelling and newswriting, noting that his abilities will serve him effectively when he takes the helm as managing editor for the newspaper within the fall.

Gaddis obtained first place in information pictures for “Large turnouts for Kirk vigils,” {a photograph} documenting the campus group’s response following the assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.

“Alek joined The Oracle staff this year, and he stepped up like a pro,” stated Hackett. “This photograph is memorable for the way it captures emotion and tells a visual story, and it effectively illustrates how a national news event resonated within the local community.”

Ortiz earned first place in column or commentary for “Our government doesn’t understand me,” a private column reflecting on the experiences of an American with autism and the challenges he believes many people with disabilities face in public coverage discussions.

“Miguel began the year as a novice editorial writer and ended it as a national award-winning editorial writer,” stated Hackett. “The growth of his writing skill has been phenomenal, and he came to the staff with the insight and honesty needed to be an impactful editorialist. I can’t wait to see where the future takes him.”

Creter, who served as managing editor of The Oracle in the course of the 2025-26 educational 12 months, additionally obtained an honorable point out in enterprise writing.

Hackett stated the honors level to each the standard of the scholars’ work and the worth of experiential studying alternatives out there by Tech’s scholar media packages.

“The variety represented by these awards shows how well-rounded these students’ skills are, and journalism is learned by practicing,” she stated. “Whether students are reporting, photographing events, writing commentary or leading newsroom coverage during breaking news situations, they are developing skills that will serve them throughout their careers.”

The Society for Collegiate Journalists is the nation’s oldest group devoted to collegiate journalism, tracing its roots to 1909 and supporting scholar media organizations throughout the nation. Its annual contest acknowledges excellence in scholar journalism by awards honoring excellent writing, pictures and multimedia work.

The Oracle is Tennessee Tech’s student-run newspaper, offering alternatives for college students to realize expertise in reporting, enhancing, pictures, design and multimedia storytelling whereas serving the college group.

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