For the past year, The Spectator’s biggest obstacle has been COVID-19. Just like everything else in the world, as a staff we have had to adapt to changes.

In-person interviews turned into virtual interviews, the news room turned into a social distanced bubble, and our stories became more complex with bigger issues than we could have ever imagined.

But through all the changes, we prevailed.

We are so grateful to have taken home a total of eight Georgia College Press Association Awards. Among the eight, we received third place for most improved and first place for best editorial series.

Needless to say, it’s nice to know that our hard work is not going unnoticed.

To be able to compete in categories with other division one schools such as University of Georgia and Georgia Tech is amazing.

To be able to rise above them in certain categories is even more amazing.

It definitely takes time, effort and skill to ensure the VSU Spectator continues to operate. I have had the pleasure of witnessing all staff members’ tireless determination to create the uncensored, unfiltered voice of the students.

We as a staff take our wins as a signal to keep improving and doing what we’ve always done which is upholding the standards and principles our publication has always stood for.

A special thanks to our staff advisor Ted Geltner and our grad assistant advisor Robert Davison for guiding The Spectator into the right direction.

Thank you to Dr. Pat Miller for helping the staff generate ideas by simply just talking them out.

Lastly, thank you to all our loyal readers for allowing us to continue to be your voice. Without you our publication wouldn’t be where it’s at today. Without you we wouldn’t have an opportunity speak up.

Story and photo courtesy of Lenah Allen, Editor-in-Chief.