Mirror News wins a record 40 awards at MCCPA Conference

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MCCPA Group photo. Students holding awards.
The Mirror News staffers proudly show off their awards at this year's MCCPA Conference. The HFC student-run newspaper won a record 40 awards.

HFC’s student-run newspaper, The Mirror News, won a record 40 awards at the 47th annual Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA) Conference, which was held at Central Michigan University on March 28, including a tie for newspaper of the year and first place for overall newspaper design.

“I cannot express how proud I am, nor how impressed I am with the talent, hard work, and dedication of the students. I was beaming to see them so rewarded and recognized by the MCCPA,” said The Mirror News faculty advisor Dr. Peter Kim.

Previously, the most awards The Mirror News won in a single academic year was 29. Including this year, The Mirror News has won a total of 138 awards from the MCCPA. Twenty-five students have worked at The Mirror News for the 2025-26 academic year, the largest number of staff to date.

“Every year, the students at The Mirror News amaze me,” said Kim. “They go well beyond expectations and have helped the newspaper grow to the consistency and quality reputation it continues to build upon. I am truly honored to facilitate that growth.”

Editor-in-Chief is elated about the “best part of HFC”

HFC student and The Mirror News editor-in-chief Alex Gray couldn’t be more elated to be leading the newspaper as it achieved this milestone.

“I’ve been with The Mirror News since the Winter 2025 semester. It's my absolute favorite part of being at HFC! To witness all of our talented writers, artists, and photographers receive the recognition they deserve makes me feel incredibly moved and proud,” said Gray. “I'm humbled and proud to be a leader of our publication during this successful season; it is an honor to watch The Mirror News grow. We wouldn't be able to thrive without Dr. Kim. As EiC, I echo the ideals of safety, support, and creativity that he has established for all of us. Our success as a publication, coupled with the happiness of our staff, motivates me to keep expanding our reach and creativity.”

Gray was one of two students serving in the role of EIC during the 2025-26 academic year. For the Fall 2025 semester, Alaina Schnell was EIC until her graduation at the end of 2025. For the Winter 2026 semester, Gray succeeded Schnell as EIC, a role they will continue in the 2026-27 academic year.

“While Alaina’s time as EIC was short, she initiated community engagement, encouraged creative collaboration, and went out of her way to support all of us,” said Gray. “She is an integral part of our recent successes and does fantastic, thought-provoking work as a writer and student. Her writing has won multiple awards, after all! Alaina is a wonderful and awe-inspiring individual whom I am very honored to have learned under and call a friend.”

“An inexplicable feeling”

HFC student and The Mirror News news editor Zayneb Ardaini won six awards, the most awards of any student on the newspaper staff.

“I couldn't believe it!” she recalled. “A calm wave of happiness simply washed over me. I was thinking of the late nights editing, last minute interviews, and memories of never-ending story ideas flooding my mind. Mostly, I was filled with a sense of pride that I had made Dr. Kim, my mentor and my professor, proud and that I had contributed to us winning so many awards! I told my family, and their pride and words of encouragement ignited my drive to excel further.”

Ardaini has worked for The Mirror News for three semesters, starting in Winter 2025. Her association with the newspaper began when she took Kim's journalism class and assisted in passing out the first issue of the newspaper that semester.

“I must admit, at first I had no idea what The Mirror News was. As I tagged along with Dr. Kim and Alaina, we fell into a smooth rhythm of conversation, ranging from classes, our interests, hobbies, educational background, politics, the history of the government, and the formation of laws through court cases. That led to Dr. Kim asking me if I'd like to write for The Mirror News,” she said. “Growing up, one of my absolute favorite female leads had been Lois Lane, played by Erica Durance in my favorite version of Superman's story, Smallville. This was a TV show my father and I loved watching together. As my passion for journalism has matured, the little girl in me who always wanted to put her ideas and writings on paper with an outlet like The Mirror News went for it without hesitation.”

Ardaini understands the legacy that is advanced by this milestone.

“We at The Mirror News spend so much time writing about the present, the past, and predictions of the future, that when it becomes our turn to be part of history, it's an inexplicable feeling. It feels amazing to know that our work as students is recognized and appreciated. Our opinions and hard work matter,” she said.

Recognizing the impact of storytelling on the campus community

Being part of The Mirror News has been one of the most meaningful highlights of HFC student Sedra Mourad’s academic journey. Mourad, who won three awards, joined the newspaper staff in Fall 2025.

“Contributing to this record-breaking achievement is truly an honor,” said Mourad. “I am grateful to be part of such a talented team of writers and graphic designers, led by our incredible advisor, Dr. Kim, whose encouragement and support have meant a great deal to all of us. Being a member of The Mirror News has helped me recognize the impact that storytelling can have on a campus community. What makes these awards especially meaningful is that two of them recognize firsts for me – one for my first self-initiated research project and another for the very first article I wrote for the publication. Receiving first place for that initial piece is humbling and deeply motivating.”

Mourad’s proudest work was her article "AI at HFC." As her first self-initiated research project, Mourad invested considerable time into researching the topic, conducting interviews, and exploring multiple perspectives. Seeing that effort recognized – first with the opportunity to present at the LAND Conference earlier this year and now with the MCCPA award – has been incredibly rewarding.

“I have had the opportunity to contribute to important academic and campus conversations while combining my passion for science, neuroscience, and student success,” explained Mourad. “Many of the stories I have written focused on Al in education, neuroscience, campus initiatives, and highlighting student voices. It has been rewarding to use my writing as a way to encourage discussion and support positive change on campus.”

For Mourad and Gray, the best part about working at The Mirror News is the people.

“The staff is exceptionally welcoming, supportive, and collaborative,” said Mourad. “Being surrounded by talented writers and hearing their ideas and perspectives has expanded my own thinking in ways that go far beyond the craft of writing. This formative experience has inspired my growth as a student.”

Added Gray: “I adore my fellow writers and artists. We all get to share a comforting, judgment-free safe space where we share ideas and creativity. It is the most supportive and enriching environment you can find. Everyone is dedicated to having fun while still maintaining professionalism in their work. If every workplace were like The Mirror News, we would be a much happier society! We have the largest staff the paper has ever had this semester, which is a testament to the incredible space Dr. Kim has created for all of us. We are a loving, diverse group of people always willing to listen and learn – this unifies us.”

The Mirror News’ 2026 MCCPA awards

Overall Newspaper Design

General Excellence

News Story

In-Depth Enterprise Reporting

Solutions-Based Journalism

Feature Story

Personality Profile

First Amendment Reporting

Serious Column

Critical Review

Sports News Story

Sports Feature

Original Cartoon – Editorial

Original Comic – Entertainment

News Photo

Feature Photo

Sports Feature Photo

Informational Graphic

Illustration

Front Page Design

  • Second Place: Cameron Freeman for “AI at HFC”
  • Honorable Mention: Cameron Freeman for “Globe Fest”

Inside Page Design

Best News Website

Best Social Media

Best Blog