By Chelsea Brasted
Campus journalism staffs and individual students from across the country were honored at the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence luncheon Monday afternoon. The winners were selected from a pool of more than 3,600 entries of work published or broadcast in 2009.

Jenny You receives the Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism award. (NIKKI VILLORIA / The Working Press)
Natalie Moya, a student at Ball State University, accepted the award for Best Affiliated Website of a four-year university on behalf of the Ball Bearings staff.
“I think it’s really nice to be recognized by such a prestigious organization. We’ve really made an effort to put out a product that is something a little different from our competition,” Moya said.
To see the full list of 2009 Mark of Excellence awards winners, follow this link. More information about the awards, and a roundup of regional MOE winners, also is available here.
Steve Knight took home three awards as a finalist in General News Reporting, Editorial Writing and In Depth Reporting, all for two-year colleges.
“It feels really good to be recognized for your hard work,” said Knight, who entered the Mark of Excellence competition for the first time this year.
SPJ also recognized winners of four other prestigious awards: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism, Julie Galvan Outstanding Graduate in Journalism, Robert D. G. Lewis First Amendment and National Campus Chapter of the Year.

Steve Knight, a finalist in three categories, accepts one of his certificates. (NIKKI VILLORIA / The Working Press)
Gene Policinski of the First Amendment Center updated luncheon attendees on the 1 for All campaign prior to the awards presentation. 1 for All strives to educate Americans on the pivotal role that the First Amendment plays in society.
Policinski remarked upon the great strides the campaign has made since its July 1 launch, including creating advertisements which are available on the campaign’s website, 1forall.us. Hundreds of newspapers and television stations have picked up the ads, according to Policinski. Many of the advertisements also feature various celebrities who support the cause, including television host Ellen DeGeneres and singer John Mellencamp.
“(The) website is a wonderful opportunity to educate ourselves, no matter what your profession,” said Policinski.