(left to right) Ryan McKnight and Miranda Jenkins took home honorable mentions this year from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association for their work with the San Jacinto Times newspaper for 2011-2012. The paper also picked up a mention for its sports page design. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

Students recognized by Texas Intercollegiate Press Association for work with San Jacinto Times

 Jeannie Peng-Armao -- June 7, 2012

PASADENA, Texas — Miranda Jenkins, former San Jacinto Times reporter, and Ryan McKnight, Times contributor, received honorable mentions by the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) for their work in editorial cartoon and news feature.

Jenkins was recognized for her story "Texas Wildfires Hit Close to Home," which gave readers a first-hand account of the wildfires that spread throughout the state in September 2011. She wrote how the fires "ravaged" her hometown of Waller and about the experiences of her family members.

"I was writing from first-hand experience," said Jenkins. "I tried to focus more on the emotional aspects of the situation and less on statements from officials."

Jenkins is in the College's Honors program and holds three jobs at the Central Campus. She works at the bookstore, serves as an orientation leader, and participates in the calling campaign for the First Year Experience (FYE) program. She plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin in hopes of one day becoming either an English or history professor.

McKnight has been drawing for 25 years, submitting his work to local magazines. His cartoon for the Times illustrated a man cramming for finals with a shadow looming over him. As a freelancer, McKnight has also started his own comic company, Naughty Gnome Comics, but says a degree is still very much needed to increase his skill knowledge in the industry.

"I'm really an entrepreneur, but it's important to me to pursue a degree in art," said McKnight. "College keeps me on the right track. It was one of my art professors who suggested I talk to the school newspaper to submit some of my work, and it ended up getting published."

 The San Jacinto Times staff, under the direction last year of Houston radio host Fred Faour, also picked up an honorable mention for the 2011-2012 sports page design. The Texas Intercollegiate Press Association is one of the largest and most respected collegiate groups in the country. Association contests include the categories of general magazine, radio, television, online, two divisions of yearbook, literary magazine and six divisions of newspaper.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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