(L-R) Sean Huey Melido; Marquis R. Pullins Jr.; Ridha Mirza; Marro Hawkins; Melissa Edwards, Quo Vadis Advisor; Nolan MacFayden; Trinity Dunn
(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- The Middlesex College Quo Vadis student newspaper staff earned 15 statewide awards, including five first place honors, in the 2024-2025 New Jersey Press Association (NJPA) College Newspapers contest.
The contest has 10 individual categories – three online and two newspaper. Each college news team may submit a total of up to 38 possible entries per newspaper.
Included in the list is first place for the prestigious general excellence award, first place in layout and design, and second place for the paper’s website. Middlesex College graduating senior Trinity Dunn earned or shared nine different awards in a variety of subjects.
“We have a small program, so whenever we are able to get these many awards shows the hard work and dedication of some of our students,” said Quo Vadis Faculty Advisor Melissa Edwards. “It also creates a legacy for our journalists. This is something that can help launch yourself when you go to a new school and you can show you have these awards.”
Learn more about the Quo Vadis news here.
Full List of Awards:
First Place, General Excellence - “September 4 & September 18 editions” by Sean Huey Melido, Erin Hellhake, Trinity Dunn
First Place, Layout & Design - “May 1, 2024 and November 27, 2024 editions” by Trinity Dunn, Sean Huey Melido, Erin Hellhake, Nolan MacFadyen
First Place, News Writing - “Middlesex College Gets a $1.2 Million Arts Grant; Wi-Fi Renovations Arrive on Campus” by Erin Hellhake
First Place, Column/Opinion Writing - “Social Media Impacts College Students Health” by Trinity Dunn
First Place, Web Project - Instagram by Trinity Dunn
Second Place, Overall Website - Trinity Dunn, Nolan MacFayden, Marquis Pullins, Ridha Mirza
Second Place, Arts and Entertainment/Critical Writing - “Grab a Quick Bite to Eat in South Amboy; Taste of Latin Comfort Food in Sayreville” by Nolan MacFadyen
Second Place, Photography - “College Community Engages in Student Fair; Harvest Takes Over College” by Trinity Dunn
Second Place, Sports Writing - “Life Lessons and Volleyball Drama Collide in 'Haikyu!!' by Sean Huey Melido
Third Place, Editorial Writing - “ICE Raids and Deportations Cause a Disruption” by Ridha Mirza, Hina Naqvi, Sandra Milton-Rodriguez
Third Place, Enterprise/Investigative Reporting - “Track and Field Track Coach’s Contract Not Renewed Due to Track and Field Cut” by Marquis Pullins, Trinity Dunn, Erin Hellhake, Nolan MacFadyen
Third Place, Feature Writing - “College Partners with RWJ for Blood Drive” by Ellen Kwon
Third Place, News Writing - “Get Bus Tickets; College Enters 2025 With Changes and Looks Ahead” by Trinity Dunn
Third Place, Photography - “Women’s Soccer Team Prepares for the Season//Woodbridge Celebrates Jazz Festival” by Nolan MacFadyen
Third Place, Web Project - “With the role that women play in politics, do you think that America will ever be ready to elect a female president?” by Trinity Dunn
Middlesex College, established in 1964, is a public, two-year institution of higher education located in the heart of New Jersey. With a main campus in Edison and centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, Middlesex College offers over 85 degree and certificate programs encouraging its more than 10,000 students to explore, grow, and thrive. Middlesex College, through dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and holistic student supports, is committed to providing a high-quality, affordable college education that provides every student an opportunity for growth and achievement. Middlesex College is Middlesex County’s premier destination for lifelong learning and workforce training.
