The accolades continue to roll in for The Appalachian, AppState’s student-run newspaper, which was awarded First Place for ‘Best Newspaper’ at Pro Con 2025, the national College Media Association convention in New York City this past weekend.
Members of The Appalachain and The Peel attended the ProCon event in NYC.
Six students from The Appalachian, two students from The Peel and Student Publications Adviser & Director Leigh Tauss traveled to New York City to attend the conference. Faculty member Chris Moody, a lecturer who teaches digital journalism and electronic media and broadcasting, was an invited speaker at the conference, giving a talk on “Make a call and find a calling,” about honing your passions early in your career.
Department of Communication Lecturer Chris Moody was invited to ProCon as a speaker.
The conference culminated in the Apple Awards, a national contest that had more than 400 applicants from student publications across the country. The Appalachian received First Place in both the ‘Best Newspaper’ and ‘Best Crisis Coverage’ categories, in addition to Second Place for ‘Best Magazine’ and a slew of other Third Place wins and honorable mentions. The Peel also received an honorable mention in the ‘Best Magazine’ category.
In all, Appalachian State University students were recognized for the following awards:
- 1st Place: Best Newspaper for “The Appalachian Hispanic Heritage Month” special issue
- 1st Place: Best Crisis Coverage for “Hurricane Helene Coverage”
- 2nd Place: Best Magazine for “The Appalachian Black History Month” special issue
- 3rd Place: Best Editorial for “Take Accountability Sherri”
- 3rd Place: Best Social Media Engagement for “Best of Boone”
- Honorable Mentions: Best Newsletter, Best Podcast, Best Social Media Coverage of a Single Event, Best Single-Media Ad
Members of The Appalachian and The Peel pose with their awards.
Adviser Leigh Tauss said she was tremendously proud of the students, who persevered through a difficult fall semester. While App State’s campus was shut down for two weeks during Hurricane Helene, The Appalachian newsroom never stopped putting out critical coverage to the community, highlighting the bravery of first responders and the devastating loss suffered by the Hispanic community.
“These student journalists rose to the occasion amid a terrifying catastrophe,” Tauss said. “Their service to the community demonstrates the importance of student media in providing information when it is most needed.”
The Appalachian's Transalations Editor and Feature Reporter Omar Alvarez Valencia is pictured with the First Place award for Best Crisis Coverage. He received this award along with Editor-in-Chief Jenna Guzman and Madalyn Edwards.
By: Leigh Tauss
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About The Appalachian
The Appalachian has been Appalachian State University’s independent student-run news publication since 1934. We publish a print publication monthly, and send out twice weekly email newsletters during the regular academic year. We are the recipient of the ACP Pacemaker Award, the CMA Pinnacle Award and the NC College Media Association Best of Show award. Learn more at https://theappalachianonline.com/
About The Peel Literature & Arts Review
The Peel Review is Appalachian State University’s student-run literature and arts publication. The Peel Review works to cultivate creative expression in the student body and local community by providing an outlet for creatives to express themselves. To view previously published work, visit thepeelreview.com.
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and a minor in Communication Studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
"Best Newspaper" Award Certificate
"Best Newspaper" Award Certificate