On April 1, The Trend sent 12 representatives to the Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association (OCMA) Conference on the Oklahoma State University (OSU) campus in Stillwater. Across seven categories and competing against 10 other institutions, The Trend won 12 awards for articles written in the 2025 academic year.
In the “In-Depth Reporting” category, Becca Gibbins won third place for her article “Elections for SGA.” For this article, Gibbins was able to interview the majority of candidates for the 2025-26 Senate elections. The judges commended Gibbins on these interviews.
“Good job of reaching out to the SGA candidates to get their views on issues and why students should vote for them,” states an anonymous judge.
Graduate Jordan Pruitt won third place in the “Sports Game Coverage” category for his article “Softball End Series.”
Editor-in-Chief Matthew Yokum won two awards for sports writing: “A Fresh Start Led By Orsi” in the “Sports Feature/Personality Profile” category and “One Win Away – Can OKC Close Out Game Six?” in the “Sports Column” category.
Entertainment Editor Thomas Buchanan won awards in the “Editorial Opinion” category for “Helpful Highway Driving Hints for the Holidays” and the “Personal Column” category for “Is Posting AI Art Appropriate for USAO?” Judges commented that Buchanan’s AI article expressed opinion while also explaining the issue AI presents and backing it up with campus events. Judges also praised Buchanan’s offering a solution to the problem.
“An important issue that affects the public. The editorial offers practical driving tips that all drivers would benefit from reviewing. The author’s challenge to motorists to become better drivers is a public service,” states one anonymous judge.
Former Editor-in-Cheif Gary Jackson placed third in “Editorial Opinion” for “A Safe and Smart Spring Break.”
“Reminding everyone of the potential dangers of the holiday and recommending best practices is helpful. The author showed genuine concern for the issue,” states an anonymous judge.
Jessiekah Cook won second place in the “Review” category for “Sunrise on the Reaping.” Alexander Greve placed third for his review of “Silksong.”
News Editor Cassie Srock was awarded third place in the “News Photo” category for her photo “Stride into Spring.”
Hayla Wilson placed third in the “Multimedia Reporting” category for their piece titled “Habitat Burn.”
The Trend won first place in the “Overall Website” category, and the award was accredited to all editors.
Before the awards ceremony, the attendees were not informed of what awards they had won. The only information they received was that they had won an award and attendance was recommended, thus making this ceremony special to each winner.
