Awards

2021

Pinnacle Awards – Second for Best Newspaper Feature Page/Spread

–The Mystery of Presidential Candidate Ralph Dean Templeton: A Local Cold Case

ACP- Won “Best of Show” Award

-The Observer got 2nd place for the best website in the category of more than 10,000 students.

-The Observer got 9th place for best weekly newspaper.

2020

ACP honorable mention Pinnacle Awards 

Newspaper Page/Spread 

• “Delivery Methods Change Amidst Pandemic,” by Bekah Blum

• “Wildcats Find Success in Nampa,” by Aiden Knabel.

2019

Society of Professional Journalist Regional Mark of Excellence Awards

Breaking News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Classes continued in attempt to restore sense of normality – by Jack Belcher, Alexa Murdock and Mariah Valles, Central Washington University

General News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: False active shooter incident – by Mariah Valles, Jack Belcher, Alexa Murdock and Hanson Lee, Central Washington University

General Column Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Kyle Wilkinson, Central Washington University

Sports Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Winner: 11 years later: Remembering trio that rounded bases together – by Bryce Weedman, Central Washington University

Breaking News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Deputy Thompson memorial – by Shawna Hettick, Central Washington University

Editorial Cartooning

• Winner: Teagan Kimbro, Central Washington University

General News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Community pushes for sustainability – by Mariah Valles, Central Washington University

Best Affiliated Web Site

• Finalist: The Observer – Central Washington University

2018 

Society of Professional Journalist Regional Mark of Excellence Awards

General News Reporting (large) 10,000+ Students

• Winner: Professor under investigation for sexual misconduct, again – by Eric Rosane, Central Washington University

In-Depth Reporting (large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: CWU strives to increase concussion safety for athletes – by Hanson Lee, Central Washington University

General Column Writing (large) 10,000+ Students

• Winner: Mariah Valles, Central Washington University
• Finalist: Alexa Murdock, Central Washington University

Feature Photography (large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Keeping the peace – by Xander Fu, Central Washington University

Photo Illustration (large) 10,000+ Students

• Winner: A mass shooting generation – by Jack Lambert, Central Washington University

Sports Column Writing (large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Austin Lane, Central Washington University

National Society of Professional Journalist Mark of Excellence Awards

National Winner / Photo Illustration Category

• Winner: A mass shooting generation – by Jack Lambert, Central Washington University

Associated Collegiate Press Midwinter Convention Best of Show Awards

Best Four-year Weekly Newspaper

• 6th place: The Observer, Central Washington University

Best Four-year Website

• 7th place: The Observer, Central Washington University

2017

Society of Professional Journalist Regional Mark of Excellence Awards

Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper

• Finalist: The Observer, Central Washington University

General News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students

• Finalist: Student immigrants skeptical of Trump’s promises – by Daisy Perez, Central Washington University