(This is the editor that responded to Thames' letter against the sex article.)

From USM News:

Student Newspaper Editor Receives Scripps Scholarship

Friday, October 27, 2006
Contact Angela Kilcrease - 601.266.4988

Writer: Maggie Williams

Hattiesburg -- David McRaney, executive editor of The Student Printz and a senior in the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Mass Communication and Journalism, has been named a Scripps Howard Foundation Top Ten journalism scholarship winner for 2006-07.

The honor means McRaney, 29, a Sumrall native, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship and was presented a plaque and certificate in a special ceremony held recently in The Student Printz office.

According to the foundation, communication schools nationwide were invited to nominate one full-time student as their representative in the competition. From the pool of candidates, a panel of newspaper, broadcast and television network professionals chose 10 recipients for the $10,000 scholarships. The one-time award is applied toward a full academic year.

"This is a huge honor for David and, by association, for the School of Mass Communication and Journalism here at Southern Miss," said Christopher Campbell, director of the school. "We are quite proud of his achievement."

The Top Ten scholars were chosen for academic achievement, demonstrated interest in journalism, portfolio and an essay about their long-term career goals.

"These winners will be stars in the media," the judges said. "They are well-rounded, hard-working, focused journalists. Their goals are ambitious, varied and, for them, realistic - to write for newspapers or magazines, be television reporters or anchors, or to pursue multi-media or Web-based careers…"

McRaney said the rigorous application process and the fact he would compete for the scholarship with other student journalists from across the country did not deter him in the least.

"I'm thrilled to have been chosen for this honor, but I felt like I had what they were looking for when I first read the application," said McRaney.

He has interned for The Lamar Times and The Petal News, both in Hattiesburg, and recently began freelancing for The Sun Herald in Biloxi as well as The Daily Journal of Commerce in New Orleans. He is also president of the Southern Miss chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

McRaney's wife, Mandy, said her husband is driven to be successful in journalism.

"David is naturally curious, which is a big plus for someone wanting to pursue a career in journalism," she said. "And, he's determined. He doesn't give up on something if he really believes in it. I think these are the traits of a successful journalist at any level, don't you?"

Dedicated to excellence in journalism, the Scripps Howard Foundation is a leader in industry efforts in journalism education, scholarships, internships, literacy, minority recruitment and development and First Amendment causes. It is the philanthropic arm of The E.W. Scripps Company, a diverse and growing media enterprise with interests in national cable networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, electronic commerce, interactive media and licensing and syndication.