“I think it’s such a precedent,” Print Managing Editor Emily Hurst said. “It helps us know that we’re capable of greatness.”

In addition to Best Newspaper, it also received third place in Best Public Service Journalism for its coverage of academic freedom amid the ousting of Tamar Shirinian. The Beacon quickly became the newspaper of record on the subject as local media quoted its reporting. 

What began as a trip to Georgia with low expectations quickly turned into a proud core memory for News Editor Patrick Busch.

“I was sort of blown away and really amazed with how well we did,” Busch, who won first place in the Media Law challenge, said. “You know, particularly the one that stands out to me was Olivia getting her recognition … I think she absolutely deserves it.”

Staff Writer Olivia Lee won second place in Special Events Reporter for her coverage of academic freedom amid the ousting of Tamar Shirinian. Lee also won second place in the onsite competition for feature writing. 

In total, the Beacon took home 11 awards from Cartersville, Georgia. 

Best of the South 2025 Awards:

Best Newspaper – 1st place, The Daily Beacon

Best Public Service Journalism – 3rd place, The Daily Beacon

Opinion Writer – 1st place, Claire Thatcher

Arts and Entertainment Writer – 2nd place, Andi Jones

Special Events Reporter – 2nd place, Olivia Lee

Best Photographer – 2nd place, Cole Moore

Journalist of the Year – Honorable Mention, Caden Dyer

2025 Onsite Competition:

Media Law – 1st place, Patrick Busch

Public Relations competition – 1st place, Caden Dyer

Feature writing – 2nd place, Olivia Lee

Feature writing – 3rd place, Trevor McGee

Busch and Hurst both pointed to the hours of dedication it took to take home a plethora of awards.

“I know everyone works hard,” Busch said. “It’s a lot of long nights. There’s some tough moments, but it’s all worth it. I’m really ecstatic with the way things went.”