DAYTON, Ohio — As the newspaper industry as a whole continues to change, journalism students still carry the torch of passion for print through their campus newspapers around the nation.

Writers and editors of the University of Dayton’s independent student paper, “Flyer News,” are working to keep a powerful tradition going strong.

What You Need To Know

  • "Flyer News" recently earned a mark of excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists

  • This year's editors are ready to keep the tradition going

  • New podcasts and social media reporting are helping to push the newspaper forward

Back in April, the paper was named the region’s Top Large Student Newspaper by the Society of Professional Journalists.

“It’s been kind of surreal, coming from just being a contributing writer my freshman year and then going all the way to being the editor-in-chief my senior year. Flyer News has a lot of awesome history and it has a very special place in my heart, so it’s really an honor,” said Ren Sikes, who is this year’s editor-in-chief.

This is his fourth year with the paper.

For Sikes, the paper has always given him a chance to learn and share stories.

“It is kind of nerve-wracking coming off of a very prestigious award that we received last year. Kind of like, high expectations, but I think that we can do it and I’m really excited,” he said.

With about a dozen staff members and several new section editors, Sikes said he is ready to steer the ship through the November election, the Roger Glass Center opening and all other issues and hot topics around campus.

“We’re working on a pretty big story about The Flight, which is a local apartment complex which has left a lot of students living in the Marriott or having to break leases because it wasn’t ready on time,” news editor Lucy Waskiewicz.

For arts and entertainment, this year is filled with positive possibilities, too.

“It’s just so fun to write. I can write like anything pertaining towards campus, towards the season, anything in general, anything where I’m like ‘that would be fun,’” said editor Kerry Kadel.

No matter the section, the newspaper’s excellence comes directly from the dedication of the students.

Sometimes dedication means 13-hour production days or breaking news.

“It’s such a great way to be able to bring their stories and their UD paths to the greater UD community and I find that really rewarding,” said Waskiewicz.

With support from new podcasts and social media reporting, the paper is set for another year of success.

“I’m just hoping that I can do the best that I can and get the best product that we can out,” said Sikes.

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