Eye on The Orion: Judges say The Orion is California's best big-school newspaper

For the second year in a row, The Orion placed first among large schools (10,000+ enrollment) in the California College Media Association contest's Best Newspaper category.

The paper also took home eight other awards in the contest, results of which were announced Saturday night at a ceremony in Long Beach.

First Place - Best Newspaper
Judge's comment: If I wanted to know what's going on in this community, the Orion would be the paper to go to. Very newsy and accessible. Useful. Nice designs and packaging. And the volume of reporting is impressive.

First Place - Best Overall Newspaper Design
Judge's comment: This publication was a true standout. Excellent use of photos and graphics. Very engaging. Strong editorial content and hot topics that hit the heart of social interest. The designers know how to bring all the elements together on the pages for true journalistic harmony. Excellent work!

First Place - Best Newspaper Inside Page/Spread Design
Sean Martens - Creepin' It Real

First Place - Best Sales Promotion
Amar Rama and Danny Wright - The Orion Ad Shop
Judge's comment: Concise, to the point and easy to read.

Third Place - Best Infographic
Connor Gehrke - How to Spot a Phish

Third Place - Best Social Media for a Single Event
Kayla Fitzgerald, George Johnston, Staff - BREAKING: Updates on Oroville Spillway damage and evacuations

Honorable Mention - Best Newspaper Column
Grayson Boyer - Judicial affairs preys on students ignorance
Judge's comment: A timely warning to students and indictment of university policy that can put students in legal peril.

Honorable Mention - Best Interactive Graphic
Jacqueline Morales - Chicoween Crime Map
Judge's comment: This was a creative way to round up a weekend of spooky mayhem. Plus, it demonstrated to readers that Orion reporters were hitting the streets to bring them the news in real-time.