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Media Arts, Volunteer students honored at JALC Honors Night

Awards recognize student leadership, campus storytelling and standout work in John A. Logan College’s growing Media Arts program

May 7, 2026

From left Cali Dugger, Emma Sprague, Trey Whipps, Assistant Professor of Media Arts Devin Miller, Jaden Patterson, Mallory Strubhart, Ashton Fox and Ruby Media

Several John A. Logan College Media Arts and The Volunteer students were recognized during the college’s 58th Annual Honors Night Awards. The college published the full list of honorees May 5.

Ruby Medina was named Media Arts Sophomore of the Year. Cali Dugger received The Quiet Strength Award, and Elizabeth Ellis received the Rising Voice Award.

Emma Sprague, Mallory Strubhart and Trey Whipps were named Rookies of the Year. Ashton Fox and Jaden Patterson received The Volunteer Awards of Excellence, and Patterson also received The Volunteer Cornerstone Award.

Jacie Nunley was named Student Leader of the Year, and Sprague also received the Board of Trustees Merit Scholarship.

“These students’ work has mattered far beyond the classroom,” said Devin Miller, assistant professor of Media Arts and adviser to The Volunteer. “They have covered their campus, told real stories, built trust and helped show what this program can become. I’m proud of their talent, but I’m even prouder of their work ethic, character and willingness to step up.”

Assistant professor of Media Arts Devin Miller and Rising Voice Award winner Elizabeth Ellis.

The awards reflect a year of growth for the Media Arts program and The Volunteer, JALC’s student-run digital publication. Students produced campus news, sports coverage, photography, video projects and social media content throughout the academic year.

Miller said the students recognized at Honors Night helped raise the standard for student media at the college.

“This group has helped prove that community college students can do serious, meaningful media work,” Miller said. “They showed up, learned quickly and helped build something that will last beyond one semester or one school year.”

The full list of JALC Honors Night recipients is available on the college’s website.

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