A cricket-spitting story earns national recognition for The Reflector

Sometimes, the most memorable stories start with a poster on the way to the library.

That was the case for Kate Myers, editor-in-chief of Mississippi State’s student newspaper, The Reflector, whose story about the return of cricket spitting to campus was named a “Best of Student Media” selection by the College Journalism Newsletter the week of Sept. 23.

Myers, a senior broadcast and digital journalism major from Ruston, Louisiana, said she initially thought the poster advertising the unusual event was a joke. A closer look revealed a story worth telling—and one that would earn national recognition.

“I think one of the most entertaining parts of journalism is finding the unusual stories happening right in our own backyard,” Myers said. “Sometimes, the stories that sound the most ridiculous turn out to be the most interesting (and fun!) to tell.”

For Myers, the recognition reflects the breadth of work produced by The Reflector, from reporting on serious issues affecting the university and community to celebrating the people, traditions and quirks that make Mississippi State unique.

“Having a national publication recognize one of those stories is incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of the work our staff continues to produce,” she said.

Read the award-winning story: “Exactly what it sounds like: Cricket spitting returns to MSU.”

The College Journalism Newsletter, written by Barbara Allen, provides resources and insights to help educators, mentors and newsroom leaders teach, guide and develop the next generation of journalists. The newsletter highlights college journalism, student media and ideas for supporting student journalists as they prepare for careers in the field.

For more details about MSU’s College of Arts or The Reflector, visit www.cas.msstate.edu or https://reflector-online.com/.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.