De Anza College journalists claimed recognition at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges convention, held in Los Angeles from April 8-10.

Laura Wenus, editor-in-chief of La Voz Weekly, received an honorable mention for an on-the-spot feature writing contest against community college journalism students from across the state. JACC judges also awarded Peter Maxwell, La Voz Weekly campus news editor, with an honorable mention for his news broadcasting competition entry.

“I’m very proud of them. They work very hard,” said Beth Grobman, La Voz Weekly adviser and chair of the journalism and mass communication department.

Galen Oback and Jason Fritz received honorable mentions for illustrations and info graphics from the previous quarters of La Voz Weekly.

The convention featured a broad array of meetings, contests and workshops. Throughout the event, judges critiqued school papers and students’ writing.

“Networking is a very big, important part of the convention. There are internships, jobs and four-year universities looking out for talent,” said Grobman.

“Everyone focuses on competing,” said Walter Alvarado, journalism and mass communication department lab technician and convention chaperone.

La Voz Weekly also won 18 awards at the regional JACC event in the fall of 2009.