Viewpoints Staff Earn Journalism Awards at JACC Conference

The student newspaper received state honors for excellence and individual staff members won top spots in writing competitions.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration showing a stack of blank reporter pads and a digital voice recorder, representing professional student journalism. — Viewpoints staff members from Riverside City College were recognized for general excellence in journalism during the recent JACC regional conference. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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At the Journalism Association for Community Colleges SoCal Fall Regional Conference held on Oct. 10, Riverside City College's Viewpoints staff received honors for general excellence. The team also participated in professional workshops and shared their production process for recent community events.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the impact of student journalism in fostering civic engagement and reporting on critical local issues. By participating in professional networking and training, the staff enhances their capacity to serve the Riverside community through informed election coverage.

Viewpoints secured Meritorious honors for both Online and Newspaper General Excellence at the conference. Chelsea Sugimura took first place in on-the-spot opinion writing, while Marissa Lievanos earned second place in on-the-spot news writing.

The players

Viewpoints

This is the student newspaper of Riverside City College that serves as a platform for campus news and civic reporting.

Journalism Association for Community Colleges

This organization supports student journalists through competitions, conferences, and professional development programs.

Chelsea Sugimura

A staff member of the student newspaper who earned first place in an on-the-spot opinion writing competition.

Marissa Lievanos

A staff member of the student newspaper who earned second place in an on-the-spot news writing competition.

The details

During the conference at Cal State University, Northridge, students attended sessions led by professionals to refine their reporting skills. Additionally, Viewpoints editors held a discussion regarding the production of their Local Election and Voter Ed Town Hall, which was held in the Bradshaw Cafeteria on Oct. 14.

The JACC SoCal Fall Regional Conference took place on Oct. 10, 2026.
The Local Election and Voter Ed Town Hall occurred on Oct. 14, 2026.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Political Context

These student reporting initiatives occur within the broader landscape of the 2026 general election cycle. By facilitating public discourse, the staff provides critical access for voters who may be concerned about how local civic engagement affects the upcoming municipal and national outcomes.

Residents can expect increased information regarding local candidates and voting procedures as the student staff continues their coverage leading up to the polls. This effort aims to help Riverside voters navigate the ballot effectively before the final election day.

The takeaway

Student journalism serves as a vital bridge between complex local policy and public understanding. Supporting these efforts provides community members with the reliable information necessary to cast an informed vote.