Parkland hosts state community college journalism conference, student paper wins two awards
The Prospectus picked up an honorable mention for arts review and second place for podcasting.
CHAMPAIGN - Parkland College and its student newspaper, The Prospectus, hosted the Illinois Community College Journalism Association's annual conference on Friday, Oct. 16, and came away with two awards, the college announced Oct. 21.
Sophia Naylor, a Parkland student who graduated last fall, received an honorable mention in the Arts Review Division 2 category for a piece on fall-themed treats in Champaign-Urbana. Student Trustee Perla Juarez-Cuevas took second place in the podcast category for work that covered topics including pop culture and Flock cameras, according to the college.
"Staff members who worked with her were thrilled to see her receive this well-deserved recognition," Prospectus adviser Sadie Kimbrough said of Naylor in the college's release.
Eight advisers and 17 students from nine Illinois community colleges attended. Parkland President Pam Lau welcomed attendees, and University of Illinois professor Colleen King gave the keynote. Breakout sessions covered ethics in student journalism, graphic design and podcasting on a budget. The association was founded in 1974 to help community college publications train staff and recognize student work, the college said.
Source: Parkland College news release, Oct. 21, 2026 (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Newsroom/Parkland-News/Parkland-College-Hosts-Illinois-Community-College-Journalism-Association-Conference-Wins-Two-Awards?ArtMID=1721&ArticleID=1395).