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The Alestle, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s student publication, took home 33 awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP)/College Media Association Convention in New Orleans. Among their numerous awards, The Alestle won the Associated Collegiate Press Best of Show first place trophy for four-year schools with enrollment of 15,000 or less.

The publication and individual staff members won multiple awards for their reporting, print editions, photography, design, website and their podcast “Alestle After Hours.” Over the course of various competitions, The Alestle won five first place awards and nine second place awards.

“The number and variety of awards is testament to the unending dedication of The Alestle staff, to the mission of quality student journalism and top-notch leadership in the newsroom,” said Alestle Program Director Tammy Merrett.

The Alestle’s Editor-in-Chief Dylan Hembrough said he was shocked at how many awards The Alestle had won.

“If you look back at our history with awards, the most we had ever gotten at a national convention was five in one year,” Hembrough said. “Last year we got 12, which was pretty good, we had never done that before. This year we got 33, so we’re doing something right, I think.”

Hembrough said one of The Alestle’s primary goals this year is to increase reader engagement by enhancing design and creativity.

“What’s fulfilling to me about all of this is that the staff can look back and be happy with what they have produced,” Hembrough said.  
The Alestle’s Managing Editor Sam Muren said The Alestle’s mission is to tell the truth about what happens on campus. He said making a difference on campus means a lot to him. 

“Just to sit there and hear ‘The Alestle’ and then to get first place—it feels good,” Muren said. “It feels like we’re playing a part in a really important industry.”

Overall, The Alestle received eleven honorable mention awards, nine second place awards, five third place awards, one fifth place award and one tenth place award. They also received second place ACP Best of Show Best Website.

The Alestle’s Sports Editor Audrey O’Renic said she has enjoyed her experience working for the publication.

“The awards, to me, are symbol of all of the hard work and effort,” O’Renic said. “The awards are a symbol of mine and our accomplishments.”