After having to cancel their annual conference due to the stay-at-home order in place, representatives from the Missouri College Media Association announced the 2020 awards for student journalists and publications statewide through a Facebook video livestream April 7. For the second year running, The Hilltop Monitor dominated the ceremony, winning 25 total awards and being recognized as the best small college newspaper in the state with its categories’ “Sweepstakes” award. 

These awards are considered to be among the most prestigious available to student journalists and are granted by the state branch of the College Media Association, the official organization recognizing collegiate newspapers nationwide. 

Divisions for this contest are determined by the number of students enrolled at the institute at the time of judging. This year the Monitor was placed in division three up against Avila University, Culver-Stockton College, Evangel University, Missouri Valley College and Park University. 

A list of awards won by The Hilltop Monitor can be found below: 

Sweepstakes

The Hilltop Monitor Staff, first place

News writing

Archer Wright, third place, “William Jewell College sells air waves for the creation of a 24-hour classical music station”

Maddie McCormick, second place, “New Partnership with Liberty Hospital means better care for injured athletes”

Tavarus Pennington, first place, “Free bus fare for Kansas City residents weighs access vs. affordability” 

Editorial Writing

Kenton Fox, third place, “A case for radical inclusivity” 

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe and Christina Kirk, second place, “Letter from the Editors: Press freedom and the importance of distinguishing opinions from facts”

Sports Writing

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, honorable mention, “Jewell announces addition of powerlifting and CrossFit programs beginning 2020”

In-Depth News Reporting

Kyler Schardein, third place, “National Emergency sparks controversy”

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, first place, “Atypical financial approach increases Jewell’s financial flexibility in the long run” 

Investigative Reporting

Maddie McCormick, second place, “Students raise concerns about on-campus housing policy” 

Christina Kirk, Madison Carroll and Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, first place, “An in-depth look at sexual assault at Jewell in light of recent allegations” 

Column

Jenna Hultgren, second place, “‘Bachelor’ franchise chooses yet another white lead”

Rachel Bell. first place, “OCD isn’t about organizing, and you probably don’t have it” 

Sports Column

Robert Hemphill, honorable mention, “Not just a game: The rise of E-Sports” 

Entertainment Review

Audrey Mapes, honorable mention, “‘Captain Marvel’ and empowerment by imperialism”

William Humphrey, third place, “Album Review: ‘Free Spirit’”

Tavarus Pennington, second place, “Hulu’s ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’”

News Photography

Hannah Koehler, honorable mention, “Collections: A visual journey of art through the eyes of Sherry Whetstone-McCall” 

Hannah Koehler, honorable mention, “New policy brings pets to campus”

Feature Photography

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, first place, “24-Hour theatre festival wows audiences at Jewell“

Nonpolitical/Entertainment Cartoon

Kitt Wilhelm, third place, “Kitt’s Toons #15”

Kitt Wilhelm, second place, “Kitt’s Toons #13”

Kitt Wilhelm, first place, “Kitt’s Toons #17” 

Information Graphic

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, first place, “Students raise concerns about on-campus housing policy”

Website Design
Cassie Hayes and Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, second place, “The Hilltop Monitor”

The 2019 Faculty Award winner is Thais Quiroga, senior Oxbridge: History of Ideas and international relations major. Quiroga is graduating as a member of Mortar Board and the Phi Epsilon honor society and is graduating with honors in international relations.

Throughout her time at Jewell, Quiroga founded Mi Gente – the Latinx community at Jewell, was president of philosophy club, chaired College Union Activities, has been a resident assistant and has been involved in Jewell’s discussions of diversity and inclusion.

After graduating, she plans on returning to her home of La Paz, Bolivia, before pursuing a master’s in international development at the Graduate Institute of Geneva, Switzerland, in the fall. She has a passion for giving back to her home country, and she plans on eventually returning to Bolivia to apply her studies.

Information about the other impressive Faculty Award finalists can be seen in this article.

The music for the Celebration of Honors was provided by students. Alexis Mann, Cara Ellman, Alex Rosell, Fionna Pillow, Jacqueline Parson, Parker Jenkins and Jonathan Daniel all showed incredible talent through their celebrations in music.

The complete list of award winners is as follows.

Awards in Biology:

Dr. Burdette L. Wagenknecht Award for an outstanding first-year biology major – William White

Charles F. J. Newlon Award for an outstanding sophomore biology major – Elizabeth Ellis

Monte Harmon Award for an outstanding junior biology major – Hayley Knapp

Dr. Burnell Landers Award for an outstanding senior biology major – Katherine Hays

Dr. Judith A. Dilts Award for an outstanding senior biology major – Kylie Jorgensen

Awards in Business and Leadership:

Hastings L. Schies Memorial Scholarship for a deserving junior or senior female student majoring in business administration or finance who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement – Lexie Stull

Walter J. Stark Award for development in business studies – Madelynne Greenstreet

John W. Boatwright Scholars to students majoring in economics – Katie Bird, Hunter Forkum

Boatwright Economics Leadership Scholar to student majoring in economics – Jacob Shutts

Otis and Florence Miller Academic Award for the senior graduating with the highest GPA in accounting, business or economics – Lisa Erhart

Accounting Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in accounting – Collin Kasitz

Business Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in business administration – William Davis

Economics Faculty Award for the outstanding senior in economics – Jacob Dice

E. Anne Earnest Nonprofit Leadership Award for the outstanding senior in nonprofit leadership – Taylor Ekart

Awards in Chemistry and Biochemistry:

Outstanding First-Year Student in Chemistry – Megan Rohrer

James R. Eaton Memorial Scholarship for achievement as a chemistry major –  Alexis Emery, Cara Kingman, Ian McBride, Katie Parrott, Christopher Seward

Frank H. Fristoe Scholarship for achievement in chemistry – Sofia Arthurs-Shoppe, Ryan Hoffman, John Parmer, Benjamin Pautler, Elizabeth Ruark

Outstanding Biochemistry Majors – Catherine Cogley, Macyn Wilbers

Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry – Samantha Fulte

Awards in Communication and Theater:

Austin Cooper Edwards Acting Awards – Emma Mayfield, Caroline Seitz

Virginia D. Rice Award for excellence in theatre throughout the year – Joseph Duncan

Kim Harris Golden Hammer Award for excellence in technical theatre – Joseph Duncan

Alpha Psi Omega Key Award for four years of service to Jewell Theatre Company – Kyra Little

Richard L. Harriman Theatre Scholarship for outstanding theatre students – Sequoia Crissman, Jaimeson Satterfield

The Department of Communication and Theatre Outstanding Senior Debater Awards – Ethan Hawn, Haley Uttley

The Murphy Award for Excellence for a senior communication major planning a career in law – Haley Uttley

The Kim and Lois Anne Harris Department of Communication and Theatre Outstanding Senior Award – Haley Uttley

Awards in Education:

Chad Garrison “Reach Out and Touch Someone” Award for an education major who has demonstrated sensitivity and compassion for others through volunteer service – Carman Stephenson

Lutie Chiles Elementary Education Award for an outstanding sophomore in elementary education – Lillian Frevert

Ida Coffman Education Award for an outstanding junior in elementary education – Brittany Marr

Outstanding Junior in Secondary Education – Shannon Carney

Outstanding Seniors in Elementary Education – Molly Meeks, Abigail Shultz

Outstanding Senior in Secondary Education – Rosalyn Smith

Awards in English:

Pinkerton-Rick Scholarship for English majors entering the senior year who have contributed to the English department through creative thinking and helpfulness – Brielle Buntin

Outstanding Senior English Major Award – Becca Saffier

Award in History:

U. R. Pugh Memorial Scholarship for achievement as a history major – Kaitlyn Harken

Awards in Languages:

Spanish Research Award for scholarly achievement in literary and cultural study – Rachel Forrester

Outstanding Senior in Spanish for graduating major with a record of excellence – Jacqueline Leonard

Awards in Mathematics:

George A. Ross Mathematics Award for senior mathematics majors with highest academic records in mathematics – Matthew Martel, Denver Strong

Awards in Music:

Ida and Maybelle Glenn Art/Music Scholarship for outstanding achievement to someone preparing to teach music – Christina Vogler

Edward Lakin Music Theory Award for the student with the highest GPA in the first year of music theory courses – Laurence Dahlsten

Linda L. Thomssen String Award for an outstanding string player – Rachel Harris

The Wes & Ginger Forbis Award for juniors in music – Spencer Ruwe, Christina Vogler

The Dean Wilder Voice Award for music majors with special consideration for students who study or participate in vocal performance and who demonstrate leadership qualities – Riley Findley, Alexandra Rosell

The Collegiate Artists Competition for winners of an annual competition who will perform a solo with the Liberty Symphony Orchestra – Riley Findley, Rachel Harris

Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity Scholastic Award for a senior in the Gamma Psi chapter with the highest GPA – Lydia Sturges

Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity Collegiate Honor Award for a senior demonstrating outstanding musicianship, scholarship and fraternity service – Alexis Mann

Awards in Nursing:

Awards for Integrity – (BSN) Kelsey Jepson, (BSN-AT) Madison Willenborg

Awards for Compassion – (BSN) Maria Schollmeyer, (BSN-AT) Elisa Diaz

Awards for Scholarship – (BSN) Rachel Kirch, (BSN-AT) Kristina Moen

Anne Bax Ozbolt Awards for Servant Leadership – (BSN) Olivia Haug, (BSN-AT) Khalilah Henderson

Awards for Excellence in Practice – (BSN) Shalynn Thomas, (BSN-AT) Brian Bridgeford, Jr.

Mary Grant Seacole Awards for Service – (BSN) Natalie Closser, (BSN-AT) Joseph Reith

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award – (BSN) Rachel Binder, (BSN-AT) Matthew Griffith

Outstanding Nursing Student Award – (BSN) Dylan McCloud-Lewis, (BSN-AT) Megan Kugler

Missouri League for Nursing Ambassador Award – Shelby Reddick

Leesa A. McBroom Spirit of Nursing Book Award – (BSN) Rachel Pavlonnis, (BSN-AT) Mykayla Moeschen

Awards in Physics:

The Charles Don Geilker Feynman Lectures Award for an outstanding first-year physics student – Graham Chambers-Wall

James R. Eaton Memorial Scholarships for achievement as sophomore or junior physics majors – Catherine Dema, Caeley Pittman

C. D. Geilker Award for achievement in the sophomore physics course majoring in physics, physics education or dual-degree engineering – Grant Ryals

John E. Davis Sigma Pi Sigma Award for a senior physics major with the highest level of achievement in physics – Megan Anderson

Outstanding Senior Physics Major Award – Jacob Dice, Denver Strong

Awards in Political Science:

Outstanding First-Year Student in Political Science – Zachary Mertes

Outstanding Sophomores in Political Science – Madison Carroll, Jackson Still

Outstanding Junior in Political Science – Margo Evilsizor

Outstanding Seniors in Political Science – Zachary Carroll, Susanna DeHaven

Dr. Will Adams Scholarship for an outstanding political science major – Lexie Stull

Awards in Psychological Science:

Distinguished Graduates in Psychological Science – Jacqueline Parson, Olivia Tolberd

Premier Graduate in Psychological Science – Kayla Harrell

Student Publications Awards:

The Hilltop Monitor Newcomer Award – Michaela Esau

The Hilltop Monitor Maverick Award – Tavarus Pennington

The Hilltop Monitor Multimedia Award – Kathryn Wilhelm

The Hilltop Monitor Community Engagement Award – Hannah Koehler

The Hilltop Monitor Journalistic Integrity Award – Catherine Dema

The Hilltop Monitor Outreach Award – Cassie Hayes

The Hilltop Monitor Creative Content Award – Madison Carroll

The Hilltop Monitor Style and Instruction Award – Savannah Hawley

The Hilltop Monitor Artistic Vision Award – Harper Vincent

The Hilltop Monitor Column-of-the-Year Award – Anna Warner

The Hilltop Monitor Photography Award – Mykala Crews

The Hilltop Monitor Excellence in Journalism Award – Julia Yamate Geminiano de Almeida

The Hilltop Monitor Editorial Leadership Award – Sofia Arthurs-Shoppe, Christina Kirk

Inscape Poem of the Year – Anna Warner

Inscape Short Story of the Year – Audrey Mapes

Inscape Creative Nonfiction of the Year – Erin Spurgeon

Inscape Fine Art of the Year (Visual Art, Digital Art or Music) – Nicholas LaDue

Inscape Outstanding Editor Award – Heather Pennington

The John and Mary Pritchard Humanitarian Service Awards:

The Award annually goes to one or more William Jewell students who commit to engaging with people in need, developing relationships with people different from them in all fundamental aspects and learning about their unique gifts and about what God calls them to do with those gifts.

Margo Evilsizor, Jameson Howard, Reid Kiger, Sierra Sanchez

Mortar Board:

National honor society demonstrating ideals of leadership, scholarship and service. Members must meet ideals of the society and have a GPA in the top 35 percent of the class

Megan Anderson, Rachel Binder, Anna Borgert, EmmaRae King Carroll, Jonathan Daniel, Susanna DeHaven, Emily Dema, Taylor Ekart, Lisa Erhart, Rachel Forrester, Haley Hart, Olivia Haug, Ethan Hawn, Kellsie Herrmann, Emily Hicks, Rachel Kirch, Mitchell Lummis, Payton Meeks, Jacqueline Parson, Elise Pierce, Thais Quiroga, Shelby Reddick, Zoee Risdal, Haley Sloan, Rosalyn Smith, Lakie Spencer, Emma Staebell, Denver Strong, Carson Trent, Haley Uttley

Phi Epsilon Honor Society:

Students graduating in the top ten percent of the class based on institutional GPA and a minimum of 60 credit hours at William Jewell College.

Ashlyn Bashore, Rebecca Blair, EmmaRae King Carroll, Zachary Carroll, Jonathan Daniel, William Davis, Susanna DeHaven, Emily Dema, Lisa Erhart, Rachel Forrester, Collin Kasitz, Rachel Kirch, Jacqueline Leonard, Blake Lines, Dylan McCloud-Lewis, Thais Quiroga, Becca Saffier, Rosalyn Smith, Denver Strong, Lydia Sturges, Carson Trent

Graduating with Honors:

Graduating with Honors in Biochemistry – Samantha Fulte

Graduating with Honors in Business – Lisa Erhart, Corbin Grimes

Graduating with Honors in Education – Jacqueline Leonard

Graduating with Honors in English – Ashlyn Bashore

Graduating with Honors in International Relations – Thais Quiroga

Graduating with Honors in Mathematics – Denver Strong

Graduating with Honors in Music – Meghan Recker

Graduating with Honors in Nursing – Paige Soukup

Graduating with Honors in Oxbridge: Institutions and Policy – Zachary Carroll, Emily Hicks

Graduating with Honors in Oxbridge: Molecular Biology – Haley Hart

Graduating with Honors in Physics – Jacob Dice

Graduating with Distinction in Religion – Zachary Carroll

Graduating in the Oxbridge Honors Program:

Megan Anderson, EmmaRae King Carroll, Zachary Carroll, Jonathan Daniel, Emily Dema, Haley Hart, Emily Hicks, Alexis Mann, Audrey Mapes, Thais Quiroga, Taylor Tummons, Harper Vincent, Anna Warner

Prestigious Fellowships and Scholarships:

Rhodes Global Scholarship Finalist – Thais Quiroga

Goldwater Fellow – Caeley PittmanFulbright Scholar – Benjamin Shinogle ‘17

After coming out on top at the annual Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) awards ceremony, Hilltop Monitor Editors-in-Chief Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe and Christina Kirk were beaming despite the dismal weather.

The two chief editors attended the conference along with Social Media Manager Cassie Hayes, Lifestyle Page Editor Madison Carroll and Faculty Advisor Dr. Lori Wetmore in Springfield, MO, April 13.

The Monitor was granted 25 awards at the prestigious event, including the prize for the best small college newspaper in the state of Missouri.

Event divisions were established based on the number of students enrolled in the institute at the time of the ceremony. Up against the Monitor in division three was Evangel University, Southwest Baptist University, Park University, Harris-Stowe State University, Avila University, Fontbonne University, Hannibal-Lagrange University, Stephens College, Culver-Stockton College and Missouri Valley College.

Awards were granted by the state-branch of the College Media Association, the official organization recognizing collegiate newspapers nationwide. These awards are considered to be some of the most esteemed awards available for college publications, and this year, the Monitor stole the show.

Of the 29 total categories, The Hilltop Monitor submitted entries for 16 and won awards for at least one entry in every one of those. In total, the Monitor won 25 awards.

Each award was assigned a numerical points value – four for first place, three for second, two for third and one for honorable mention – and the sum total of the points won across every other category determined the publication which won the division’s Sweepstakes award, representative of Best Overall. The Monitor received this award for division three.

A list of the awards received by the Monitor can be found below:

Sweepstakes (Best Overall)

The Hilltop Monitor Staff, First Place

Website Design

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe & Christina Kirk, First Place

Editorial Writing

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe & Christina Kirk, First Place: “Letter from the Editor: New Pronoun Policy”

Catherine Dema, Second Place: “Opinion: The government should keep its hands off my godd*mn internet”

Audrey Mapes, Honorable Mention: “Opinion: Yes, It Matters–Kindness in the Dark”

Column

Savannah Hawley, First Place: “To Be Honest…with Savannah Hawley”

In-Depth News Reporting

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, First Place: “Prospects bleak as housing crisis in KC mirrors national epidemic”

Christina Kirk, Second Place: “Troostapalooza addresses Kansas City’s internal economic and racial divisions”

Feature Writing

Hannah Koehler, Third Place: “Kansas City’s first biennial art festival brings awareness to social and cultural history by promoting local artists”

Catherine Dema, Honorable Mention: “New data science major draws students to Jewell and addresses industry need”

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, Honorable Mention: “Fresh Ideas brings fresher beans through rekindled relationship with The Roasterie”

Sports Writing

Abby Christensen, Second Place: “Jewell Cross Country teams ready for new season with [another] new coach”

Investigative Reporting

Elliott Yoakum, First Place: “An in-depth study on diversity within Jewell’s curriculum”

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, Second Place: “Prisoners protest treatment and conditions in IWOC’s National Prison Strike”

Savannah Hawley & Hannah Koehler, Third Place: “College officials address miscommunication about the Journey Grant program”

Entertainment Review

Harper Vincent, First Place: “Movie Review: “Beautiful Boy””

Tavarus Pennington, Honorable Mention: “Album Review: “DiCaprio 2””

News Writing

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, Second Place: “Operation: Ceasefire KC raises awareness of violent crime and homicide through attempted murder-free weekend”

Non-Political/Entertainment Cartoon

Kitt Wilhelm, First Place: “Kitt’s Toons #3”

Story Illustration

Audrey Mapes, First Place: “Women in History: Nancy Wake”

Audrey Mapes, Second Place: “Women in History: Anna Julia Cooper”

Information Graphic

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, First Place: “Prospects bleak as housing crisis in KC mirrors national epidemic”

Feature Photography

Mykala Crews, First Place: “Artist Feature: Terrace Wyatt”

Sports Photography

Sofia Arthurs-Schoppe, Second Place: “Photo Feature: Homecoming Game”

News Photography

Cassie Hayes, Second Place: “Kansas City embraces hispanic culture and heritage at Fiesta Hispana”