Three current and former staffers of The Collegian, Grove City College’s student newspaper won Student Media Keystone Awards from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.
News Editor Matthew Purucker, a sophomore from Pittsburgh, Pa., won first place in general news for coverage of the September swatting incident on campus.
Photographer Mara Brak, a senior from Sewickley, Pa., won first place for feature photo for her photo of the 2025 homecoming parade.
Alumna Grace Scheller ’25, former managing editor and Perspectives editor, won honorable mention for her columns on President Trump’s inauguration and women in space.
"The Collegian is honored to be recognized by the PNA for our contributions to student journalism. The entire staff collaborates every week to deliver high quality reporting, writing and photos for our campus. Every staff member shares in this achievement,” Emily Fox, Collegian editor-in-chief, said.
“Our three winners represent Grove City College with high caliber content that demonstrates the College's emphasis on rigor and excellence in our vocational efforts. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and they should be very proud,” she said.
The Collegian competed against news organizations from other private colleges and larger state schools in the PNA’s Division II. The awards cover work published in 2025.
“These standout student journalists have done exceptional work for The Collegian, and it is great to see it recognized statewide. The paper’s entire student staff and leadership do an outstanding job providing readers with excellent coverage of campus news, entertainment, sports, and community features along with stunning photography,” Nick Hildebrand, Collegian adviser and director of College Communications, said.
The Collegian, established in 1891, is published weekly during the academic year.