• Alexandria Herald - Judged good in reporting of local public affairs
• Canova Herald - Judged superior in community service
• De Semt News - Judged excellent in community service, Judged good in front page makeup
• Hot Springs Weekly Star - Judged superior in reporting of local public affairs, judges excellent in local news story
• Madison Daily Leader - Judged superior in front page makeup
• Mobridge Tribune - Judged good in locally written column
• Report and Farmer - Judged superior in locally written column, Judged good in community service
• Selby Record - Judged Good in Local News Story
• Sioux Valley News - Judged superior in local news story, Judged excellent in reporting of local public affairs, Judged good in editorial. Judged excellent in locally written column, Judged excellent in front page maleup
• Vermillion Plain Talk - Judged excellent in editorial
• Wessington Spring Independent - Judged superior in editorial

The records of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi Chapter at South Dakota State University, consist primarily of scrapbooks documenting the chapter’s activities from the mid-20th century. These scrapbooks include clippings, photographs, and memorabilia related to society events, projects, and regional journalism. Due to deterioration, the scrapbooks were dismantled for preservation purposes; most materials were photocopied, and items in good condition were retained.

A notable feature of the collection is documentation of the society’s newspaper awards program, which recognized excellence in South Dakota journalism. Honors were given for achievements in local public affairs reporting, community service, editorial writing, and front-page design. Award recipients included the Canova Herald, Hot Springs Weekly Star, Madison Daily Leader, Sioux Valley News, Mobridge Tribune, Vermillion Plain Talk, and Wessington Springs Independent.

This collection offers insight into student-led professional development, regional journalism standards, and the role of collegiate chapters in advancing the mission of the Society of Professional Journalists.

This collection is a resource for researchers interested in journalism history, press ethics, student organizations, and the regional newspaper landscape in South Dakota during the mid-20th century. It also reflects the broader mission of the Society of Professional Journalists to encourage ethical journalism and professional development.