The Montclarion Earns National Honors at CMA Apple Awards

Student journalists from student-led media source, The Montclarion, earned national recognition at the 2026 College Media Association Apple Awards, receiving honors for their exceptional work in opinion writing and social media coverage. 

This year’s competition drew 463 entries across 19 categories, judged by a panel of experienced media professors and educators. The CMA Apple Awards are considered the organization’s “best in show” honors for the convention, recognizing top student journalism and multimedia storytelling. The awards were presented during the Spring National College Media Convention, held March 4–7 in New York City. 

Montclarion Writer Miranda Burnett earned third place in Division I for Best Opinion Column for her piece, “When ICE Watches, Trust Disappears.” The column was produced in collaboration with Opinion Editor Cassandra Michalakis.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have received this award. I couldn’t have done it without The Montclarion, which has given me so many opportunities and outlets to grow as a writer through their guidance and support,” said Burnett, a Business Administration major. 

Editor-in-Chief David Bien-Aime, News Editor Emily Ramirez and Video Editor Mya Cialini were recognized for their Instagram video capturing the Yogi Berra Big Catch last summer, which set a Guinness World Records record for the largest game of catch ever. Their work earned an Honorable Mention for Best Social Media Coverage of a Single Event.

“I am very proud of the work our team put in this academic year,” said Bien-Aime, a dual major in journalism and digital media and political science. “Everyone at The Montclarion puts a lot of time and effort into everything they do, so being nationally recognized means a lot to us.”

This achievement highlights the continued impact of Montclair State University’s student journalists, whose reporting, commentary and multimedia storytelling connect the campus community with stories that matter. Since its founding in 1928, The Montclarion carried this commitment forward, covering campus life, higher education and local issues through both online and print channels.

Featured Work

“When ICE Watches, Trust Disappears”

Yogi Berra Big Catch Instagram coverage

About the College Media Association

The College Media Association (CMA) is the nation’s leading organization supporting college media advisers and the students they guide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CMA provides professional development, resources, and advocacy to strengthen student media across newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and digital outlets. The organization also celebrates student excellence through national contests and awards, including the CMA Apple Awards.

About The Montclarion

Since its founding in 1928, The Montclarion has been a news source dedicated to reporting and publishing stories integral to the interests of the Montclair State University campus community and the surrounding area. As an independent student media source, it continues to cover issues relating to campus life and higher education both online and in print.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our seven undergraduate programs including Journalism and Digital Media major at the College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in  New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.