Two School of Journalism students are finalists in reporting contest

This is the homepage for the story that has earned MSU School of Journalism students Andrew Blok and Kurt Williams a spot in the top three for Online Feature reporting in the 2018 Society of Professional Journalists Region 4 contest.
Michigan State University School of Journalism Masters student Andrew Blok, who is a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Region 4 reporting awards.

Michigan State University School of Journalism students Kurt Williams and Andrew Blok have been named finalists for reporting work in the Society of Professional Journalists Region 4 contest.

Williams and Blok are finalists for an SPJ 2018 Mark of Excellence Award, which honors the best in student journalism. They are finalists in the Online Feature Reporting category for their story entitled, "Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes: Investigating Efforts to Protect and Preserve Water Quality."

Blok and Williams are both Masters students who currently work as a reporters for the Great Lakes Echo, which specializes in covering environmental issues.

The first, second and third-place winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 8-9. The first-place winner will go on to the national SPJ competition. There are 12 SPJ regions in the United States.