Stigler Alumna Wins Top Collegiate Honors
(Press Release 4-23-04)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Two years ago, Alicia Agent was a shy teen from Stigler who wondered how she’d handle collegiate journalism.

Now it’s up to future collegiate journalists at the Wilburton college to wonder if they can ever match her record.

For her efforts in leadership and journalism, Agent, a 2002 Stigler High graduate and former editor of the Panther Star, has been selected as the Language & Communications Division Student of the Year at Eastern Oklahoma State College. She will be honored at the 6:30 p.m. commencement May 7.

As executive editor of the Eastern campus newspaper, Agent won 63 individual awards and nine state championships during a two-year span. The Eastern Statesman won overall state competitions twice during her tenure and collected its first All-Oklahoman award since 1996 this year. The Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association gives the All-Oklahoman award to one college per year.

“It’s interesting to look back at some of the stuff I wrote during my high school and freshman year and notice how much progress I’ve made,” said Agent, the youngest member of Eastern’s 2004 class. “After graduation, I’m sure I’ll miss the stress and the deadlines and always having the inside scoop.”

In February, Agent and four of her staff members received the Oklahoma First Amendment Award as given by the Society of Professional Journalists. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have contributed to the preservation of free speech and free press. Candidates must be nominated, and a board of professional journalists selects the award recipients. Oklahoma SPJ President Tom Lindley nominated Agent and other members of The Statesman staff for protecting sources involved in a controversial story.

In addition, Agent was selected by the Oklahoma City Gridiron Club as the top collegiate female journalist in Oklahoma. She was recognized at the Gridiron Show, where she met state politicians and metro journalists.

“Being part of the student newspaper has allowed me to meet a lot of interesting people and do a lot of interesting things,” Agent said. “I’ve had experiences I’ll never forget and always cherish.”