Oklahoma Press Association 2023 Awards and Convention

June 9, 2024

The Trend entered into the Oklahoma Press Association’s (OPA) annual Better Newspaper Contest for the first time and walked away with eight awards. The OPA is a group that serves and advocates for 180 newspapers in the state of Oklahoma. The annual awards convention was held Saturday, June 8, where journalists from across the state come to talk with others about the world of journalism. During this event, an awards banquet is held to recognize the journalists who made outstanding contributions to the field.

The Trend‘s staff (in attendance):

Emily Loughridge, editor-in-chief

Gary Jackson, managing editor

Gabi Merchen, senior writer

Harry Cracknell, senior writer

Matthew Yokum, senior writer

Cassie Srock, contributing writer

Elyanne Kenney, contributing writer

Laura Barrios Bardi, contributing photographer

Thomas Buchanan, contributing artist

Riley O’Dell, former contributing writer

Dr. J.C. Casey, faculty advisor

About the Contributor

Emily Loughridge, Editor-in-Chief

Emily is a fourth-year communication major from Union City. Emily is obtaining minors in psychology and liberal arts, as well. She has been on staff for The Trend since the fall of 2021 and loves working with the writers on ideas! Emily also works in the Sports Information Department on campus as the Student Assistant. When she isn't studying or working, Emily can normally be found watching Scrubs, Reba, or How I Met Your Mother and enjoying ice cream with her boyfriend. Experience with The Trend: Editor-in-Chief: Dec. 2022 - present Managing Editor: May 2022 - Nov. 2022 Contributing Writer: Aug. 2021 - April 2022