The Clarion Receives 2 Awards at SPJ's Ohio's Best Journalism Contest

“Ohio’s Best Journalism Contest,” sponsored by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapters statewide, recently announced its 2026 awards. Sinclair is thrilled to learn that the winner of SPJ’s 2026 Emil Dansker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Journalism is Jessica Graue, faculty member in Sinclair’s Journalism Dept. and Advisor to The Clarion, Sinclair’s student media organization. Congratulations, Jessica!

“Jessica Graue's career and her achievements align perfectly with the spirit of this award,” said an SPJ Judge via written comment. “Her work both in the industry and in the classroom is commendable. It is so important to have teachers and mentors who are actually still doing journalism! The fact that she is so tuned in to the trends in the industry and can help her students understand those trends is a rare, valuable asset.”

This award honors Emil Dansker, one of the founders of the Cincinnati SPJ Chapter and a longtime journalist, professor and mentor to countless journalists and students.

The Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to one individual annually for their hard work, achievements, leadership and contributions to the journalism profession. Journalism professors, publishers, broadcast general managers and editors and reporters, as well as other journalism business professionals from all media segments, are invited to apply.

Also, congratulations to Noah Schlarman, Executive Editor at The Clarion, who received second place in SPJ’s “Best College News Stories” category.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry through the daily work of its nearly 10,000 members; works to inspire current and future journalists through professional development; and advocates for the protection of the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech and press.