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The Marlin Chronicle Garners 10 National Journalism Awards, Staff Earns Local Recognition
The student-led publication continues to earn national acclaim, including first place in breaking news writing
University News | June 2, 2025
The Marlin Chronicle, Virginia Wesleyan University’s student-run newspaper, continues to earn national acclaim, receiving 10 awards in the 2024 Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ) National Contest. Entries spanned breaking news, opinion writing, infographics, photography, and sports journalism, showcasing the work of a newsroom now over 30 student staff strong.
“These prestigious, national SCJ recognitions are a testament to not only their dedication to the craft of journalism, but the remarkable quality of the work they produce,” said Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne, professor of communication and longtime adviser to The Marlin Chronicle. “I really marvel at the content produced by the Chronicle leaders.”
Junior Editor-in-Chief Lily Reslink earned first place in Breaking News Writing for “Methodist disaffiliation off the table,” along with third-place honors in both Infographics (“Virginia Wesleyan’s history of educational equity”) and Editorial Writing (staff) for “A message for people on the road to burnout.”
Sophomore Isaac Fick, serving as both News and Opinions Editor, took second place in Election Coverage for “Trump plans to eliminate the Department of Education.”
Senior Sports Editor Sydnee Washington placed third in Sports News for “VWU Athletes take advantage of NIL opportunities” and received an honorable mention in Sports Feature Writing for “Freshman commands defensive end.”
Sophomore Sports Co-Editor Coy Camiscioli won second place in the Sports Column category for “SportsHead | Will the Chiefs 3-peat?”
Sophomore Photography Editor McKenna Howenstine received second place in News Photography for her image accompanying “Celebrating Veterans Day on Campus.”
Two recent graduates were also recognized for work produced during their time on staff. Carey Seay, former Community Co-Editor and Managing Editor, earned second place in Infographics for “How to combat senioritis.” Former Sports Co-Editor Colette Kearney took top honors in Sports Feature Writing for her article “Juliette Coffey secures first ODAC title in Women’s Golf.”
“This team is among the most dedicated and courageous I’ve led as the Chronicle adviser of over a decade,” said Payne. “The work they produce both reflects and informs the community they serve.”
Editor-in-Chief Lily Reslink also received individual recognition beyond campus, attending the Virginia Professional Communicators 2025 Spring Conference at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. She was honored with the 2024 Agnes Cooke Scholarship, awarded by the Virginia Press Women Foundation.
“This was such a positive experience,” said Reslink. “I am beyond grateful for everyone who made this opportunity possible and the new connections I have because of it.”
Adding to the accolades, junior Liam Castellano produced a behind-the-scenes documentary on the newspaper’s operations. Titled Eyes & Ears: The Marlin Chronicle, the film offers a first-ever public look at the student-run newsroom and is now available on YouTube.
Founded in 1982, The Marlin Chronicle publishes five issues per semester and remains an editorially independent publication dedicated to ethical, student-driven journalism. The Society for Collegiate Journalists is the nation’s oldest honor society for student media leaders, with approximately 100 active chapters across the country.
Learn more about The Marlin Chronicle and read past issues.