Aurora local Susan Kemp wins national student journalism award

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SAVANNAH, GA (05/28/2013)(readMedia)-- Rangeview High School graduate and SCAD writing alumna Susan Kemp earned honors in the Society of Professional Journalists' National Mark of Excellence Awards. Kemp won first place in the category Online Opinion and Commentary, Medium. The piece competed against finalists in all regions across America.

"I am proud of this award- not just because it's a national title, but for me it represents my growth as a writer during my time at SCAD," Kemp said. "I am thankful that SCAD kicked the fear of judgment out of me before I graduated. I see my column as not just something to be proud of because someone somewhere thinks it's good writing, but because I really conquered this sort of ubiquitous 'writer's fear.'"

SPJ announced the national winners May 2, and will recognize them at the Excellence in Journalism 2013 conference, Aug. 24-26, in Anaheim, California. SCAD students and alumni placed first in four categories and the SCAD student publication, The District, placed first overall for Best Independent Online Student Publication, Medium.

Entry in the 2012 Mark of Excellence Awards was open to anyone enrolled in a U.S. college or university studying for an academic degree in 2012 and international SPJ student members. Students with full-time professional journalism experience, beyond internships, were not eligible. Entries must have been published or broadcast during the 2012 calendar year.

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The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees at distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers degrees in more than 40 majors. Visit scad.edu.