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.