The O’Colly staff received three 2016 Great Plains Journalism Awards, including Student Newspaper of the Year, on April 18.

The Great Plains Journalism Awards is a regional contest honoring print, web, TV and magazine journalists for outstanding stories, photography and design. The eight-state competition includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The O’Colly was recognized as the best student newspaper of the year.

“This award is extremely gratifying,” said Kurtis Quillian, a sports media junior from Floresville, Texas, and finalist for Student Broadcaster of the Year. “To know that people see the work I've been putting in to doing what I love and what I would love to do for the rest of my life is incredible.  There aren't many words that can describe that feeling."

Kassie McClung, a multimedia journalism major, won Editor in Chief of the Year. Kurt Steiss, a multimedia journalism junior from Richardson, Texas, was named Student Photographer of the Year. Both McClung and Steiss won a $1,250 scholarship.

“I’m honored to be selected as student photographer of the year out of eight states,” Steiss said. “I am extremely appreciative of all who contributed to make the Dan Harrison memorial scholarship possible. This year has been one of my most challenging years academically and with the O'Colly, but it has been extremely rewarding in experience. This year has cemented my love for journalism, and this award makes me more sure it's the right career for me. I would not be in this position without my amazing colleagues and adviser in the newsroom, and my professors.”

Other finalists for the awards included Sierra Winrow for student designer of the year, and Kurtis Quillian for student broadcaster of the year. More than 770 entries were received this year, with winners and finalists named in 70 professional and student categories.