Georgia Tech’s student newspaper made a strong showing at the recent Georgia College Press Association (GCPA) Better Newspaper Contest, taking awards in 14 categories.

Topping the Technique’s award stack was second place in General Excellence. This is the first time the paper has placed in this category since 2011.

“It’s been so long since we were up for that award, so we’re really proud,” said Brenda Lin, a computational media major and Technique editor-in-chief.

The Technique competed against other student newspapers from across the state, including its neighbors at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia.

“The comment we get the most is how astounded people are that we are able to put out a solid paper without a journalism school,” Lin said. “The editors and staff put countless hours into the paper, and we are excited to see our hard work being recognized.”

Lin personally won two awards for photography, and several other staff members won individual awards for writing across multiple sections. Seven awards were receieved for collective staff achievements. For the second year in a row, the publication placed first for layout and design. The Technique also took first place in General Advertising Excellence.

Technique staff members attended the GCPA Georgia Press Institute event last month in Athens, where they received their awards. The event also included a chance to participate in workshops and network with other student journalists from around the state. 

For students who want to get involved, the Technique holds weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at its office on the first floor of the Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building. 

Following are the awards earned by the Technique in the 2015 contest: 

• 2nd place, general excellence
• 1st place, layout and design excellence
• 1st place, general advertising excellence
• 2nd place, staff, best editorial/editorial series
• 2nd place, general photography excellence
• 2nd place, best campus community service, news
• 3rd place, best campus community service, sports
• 1st place, Brittany Miles, best review
• 1st place, David Raji, best objective news article
• 2nd place, Brenda Lin, editorial/feature photo
• 2nd place, Nikhil Venkatesh, best sports story
• 2nd place, Kenny Marino, best investigative news article
• 3rd place, Elliot Brockelbank, sports photo
• 3rd place, Brenda Lin, news photo
• Impact Award Nominee, Collin Caldwell, political cartoon