Two Mineola residents, students at UT Tyler, recently won 17 awards for outstanding journalism.

Nathan Witt, the editor-in-chief of the Patriot Talon, UT Tyler’s student-run newspaper, and Brynna Williamson, the vice editor-in-chief, attended the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention in San Marcos in early April. They participated in live journalism contests in addition to entering contests for previously published pieces from thepatriottalon.com.

The Talon received over 34 awards. Witt received 13 awards and Williamson took home four.

Williamson, who is graduating in May, was also nominated for TIPA reporter of the year. Witt was elected vice president of TIPA by popular vote.

Awards are as follows:

Williamson, Honorable Mention, feature writing. (Live Competition)

Witt, 1st place, social media breaking news; 1st  and 3rd place, interactive ad design; 1st  and 2nd place, static ad design; 2nd place, feature photography; 3rd place, breaking news story; 3rd place, documentary; 3rd place, interactive ad design; HM, feature story; HM, in-depth reporting; HM, podcast; HM, advertising campaign

Williamson, 1st place, social media breaking news; 1st place, in-depth video reporting; HM, breaking news story