The
Kentucky Kernel, the University of Kentucky student newspaper, has been honored by
two national organizations for excellence in journalism – one recognizing the Kernel
as a top student paper in the nation. The Kernel was named a finalist for the
National Pacemaker Award given by the Associated Collegiate Press for the second
consecutive year. In the daily newspaper division, the award is given to the top six
college newspapers each year, and the competition is considered the equivalent of earning
a national title in collegiate sports. Winners selected from the finalists will be
announced Oct. 30.
"To be named as a finalist means The Kentucky Kernel is judged as one of
the top 12 daily college newspapers in this nation," adviser Mike Agin said. "We
hope the students get the National Pacemaker award, but to be included in this list of top
college newspapers is quite an accomplishment."
Although The Kernel was a Pacemaker Finalist last year, it had not reached
this distinction since 1986, when it went on to win the award. The Kentucky Kernel
became a finalist because of the issues published last fall and spring semesters under the
leadership of Mat Herron, editor in chief, a Louisville senior at UK.
The Kernel staff also won a first place and two second place design awards in
the Student Society for News Design's annual competition. The Kernel competed in
Division A: Daily Newspapers. The society is headquartered at the University of
Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
The students also won second place for Page One/News section design. The newspaper was
judged second for Overall Design of the Newspaper. Four honorable mentions were awarded to
The Kernel for sports page design and redesign.
