The Panther, Claflin University's student newspaper, and The Collegian from South Carolina State University earned awards presented by the S.C. Press Association for work in 2008.

Panther Editor Rhonda Chandler and past editor Patrick Bradley were awarded a first place for design ideas and efforts involving displays in Feb. 5 and Oct. 23 editions. The Specialty Page Layout and Design winners involved coverage of King Day at the Dome -- which featured presidential candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards - and Panther Fest '08.

The judges wrote of the winning entry: "Excellent use of photo. The 'King Day at the Dome' was a real standout! Bobby Belton did a good job from the photo side."

Winning first place in the News Story category was Dervedia Thomas of The Collegian. Thomas is editor of the S.C. State student newspaper.

Of her story, "Over 12 burglaries reported during Thanksgiving break," the judges said: "Good job incorporating crime statistics and trend information and make them relevant to rash of break-ins."

Capturing a third place was Panther Assistant Editor Ja'Nel Johnson for News Story. The Sept. 17 story, "Solving a housing crunch," detailed how record student growth led to an early-semester problem with housing students and how Claflin solved the problem by leasing units in an apartment complex.

The awards were presented during the SCPA's Collegiate Division meeting held at Clemson University on April 3. The Panther and The Collegian compete in the SCPA category that judges publications from institutions with fewer than 5,000 students.

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