Hannah Bonanducci is a rising senior communications major with a concentration in journalism and editor-in-chief of The Waltonian, Eastern’s student-run newspaper. Recently, Hannah won an Honorable Mention for Public Service/Enterprise Package from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Student Keystone Awards.
Reflecting on the Keystone Awards, Hannah said, “The event was super fun! It’s an area The Waltonian hasn’t been in for years, and stepping back into it was exciting. Seeing the work that other college newspapers are doing has been incredibly inspiring and motivating as I continue to help move The Waltonian forward in its work.”
This award was given for her outstanding article, 'Girls just want to have funding,' which drew attention to the need for menstrual products in Eastern’s campus bathrooms. The article sparked an important conversation on campus, ultimately leading to the installation of essential product dispensers throughout the campus. You can read more about it on The Waltonian’s website here.
This award is one step forward for The Waltonian. It is a great acknowledgment of all that the students have worked for in recent years. Looking to the future, Hannah stated, “I’m excited for next year’s competition, as I’m almost positive that I’ll have many other Waltonian staff members sitting beside me winning awards.”
Many Templeton students have been or are currently staff members of The Waltonian, contributing significantly to the paper’s articles, editing and photography. The Waltonian is one of the great places where students from all parts of Eastern University come together to strive for creativity and integrity. The collaboration between students that happens on the paper is a beautiful microcosm of Eastern’s strong community.
Indeed, we expect to see great things from The Waltonian as the hardworking staff continues to create an excellent paper. We are so proud of Hannah and all the work she has done for The Waltonian, and happily celebrate her achievements!