The Scarlet & Black staff has won seven Iowa College Media Association (ICMA) Awards. The winners were announced in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 17 hosted by ICMA President Dave Madsen.

In the “Best News Reporting” category, the S&B took first and second place. News Editor Mohammad Igbaria ‘24 earned the top prize with his article on the College’s collaboration with Virtual Care Group in response to student complaints over mental healthcare.

Opinions Editor Allison Moore ’24 was awarded second place in the category for her story on Professor Ellen Mease’s suspension after the alleged slapping of a student during rehearsal. Moore’s award was also shared by former Arts Editor Nadia Langley ’23 and current Editors in Chief Eva Hill and Abraham Teuber, both ’22, for their involvement in the editorial process.

The third place “Best Profile” award was given to former Editor in Chief Seth Taylor ’21 for his profile on Grinnell Prize winner Alexander McLean.

The S&B also took two awards in the “Best Sports Reporting” category. Past Photo Editor Andrew Tucker ’21 won first place with his story on the perfect game pitched by Brock Weirather ’21. In third place, Sports Editor Ray Goedeker ’22 won for his longform piece on the future of Grinnell’s softball program after the firing of an assistant coach.

First and second place in the “Best Opinion” category also went to the S&B staff. Former Opinions Editor Alanis Gonzalez ’22 won first place for her “Mental Musings” column, while Langley took second place for her review of Professor Alissa Nutting’s TV show “Made for Love.”

The ICMA is made up of 15 Iowa colleges. This year saw the S&B’s first ever entries in the contest, which was judged by the Oklahoma Press Association. The eligibility period for nominations ran from Oct. 17, 2020 to Oct. 15, 2021.