So much content makes it onto the Web with nary a peep of response.But recently, a dozen ASU students got a response in a big way: They beat out scores of other co-eds from schools across the region in a contest for best online multimedia feature and news stories. The groups were honored in the Society of Professional Journalists’ “Mark of Excellence” event in Tucson April 12.

These kids worked hard all semester to wrap their brains around four months worth software and multimedia gear. How do I know this, you might ask? Because, as their professor, I watched them go from print/broadcast reporters to multimedia rockstars.

Congratulations to Veronica Graves, Ashley Hope, Jordan Jurkowitz, Katarina Kovasevic and Michael Struening for a story on the evolution of Glendale; and Casey Kelsey, Adrian Barrera, Jorden Allen, Heather Kucenski and Patricia Borja for a story on First Fridays in Phoenix.

The Arizona Daily Star. PHOENIX magazine. The Arizona Republic. Phoenix New Times.The Zonie Report?

It may seem out of place, but after two years of hard work, TZR has been given a thumbs up by some of the best journalists in Arizona. On May 10, the Arizona Press Club gave me a second place award for Arizona Community Journalist of the Year as editor of The Zonie Report (among other things).

One judge, newspaper executive Chris Waddle, said he liked TZR “for showing community journalism is a contemporary lifestyle, not a collection of hometown clips only.” Amen to that.

You can check out the list of finalists here. My deepest thanks to the club and its judges, and a heartfelt “Way to go!” to all of the winners who worked so hard against the odds this year.