UK Journalism 5th in the Nation in News Writing

University of Kentucky's School of Journalism and Telecommunications has finished fifth nationally in news writing in the 47th annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

Often called "The Pulitzers of College Journalism," the Hearst awards are open to journalism students actively involved in campus media at 107 undergraduate journalism programs in the United States. The program consists of yearlong competitions in print and broadcast journalism and photojournalism.

UK finished ahead of schools such as Northwestern University, Syracuse University and Western Kentucky University.

Four UK students, all of whom worked for the Kentucky Kernel, the university's independent daily student newspaper, placed in the top 20 for their work in the writing categories of editorial, sports and spot news.

In the editorial competition, Megan Boehnke, a senior from Crestwood, Ky., took first, while Andrew Martin, a 2006 graduate from Henderson, Ky., finished in 13th place. Chris DeLotell, a junior from Mason, Ohio, finished seventh in personality/ profile and 17th in sports. Sean Rose, a junior from Crestwood, Ky., finished fourth in spot news.

"It's been a good year for the Kernel," said Chris Poore, student publications director at UK. "We won the Pacemaker Award earlier this year, which recognizes the entire newspaper. This contest awards individuals and it celebrates good writing. It's also a chance for our students to gain some recognition for the hard work they do."

Boehnke, who will be an intern at the Lexington Herald-Leader this summer, also qualified for the 2007 National Championship in San Francisco, where she will compete against other top prize winners for additional scholarships in June.