​(Santa Ana, CA) - Santa Ana College's (SAC) el Don student-run newspaper has received a 2017-2018 Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) National Pacemaker Award.

As one of only four two-year college newspapers selected as a finalist and the only two-year college to win the “Pulitzer Prize" of college journalism, el Don was presented its award at the ACP National College Media Convention in Louisville, Kentucky on October 27th.

Pacemaker Award winners were chosen based on the paper's ability to demonstrate excellence in coverage, writing, editing, design and photography, and recognized for taking risks and serving as a strong voice for student audiences.
“This marks the 25th ACP National Pacemaker for SAC Communications and Media Studies student editors and writers since 1991," said SAC Communications and Media Studies Chair Charles Little. “I am thrilled our students have continued the el Don tradition of in-depth reporting and impartial and objective coverage of subjects that matter to our student body."

In addition to receiving a Pacemaker Award, el Don Co-Editor in Chief Nikki Nelson won first place for her photo essay on SAC's Communication Studies Department's Spring Drag Show, third place for Best Page One Design and honorable mention for Best College Nameplate. Sport Editor Jordy Espinoza also received third place honors in the Best College Sports Section competition, finishing behind Texas A&M University's The Battalion and Elon University's (North Carolina) Elon News Network.

The ACP Pacemaker Award has been presented annually since 1921 and is the most prestigious academic honor given to collegiate media. Prior to 1991, SAC had not received a National Pacemaker award. View el Don at http://eldonnews.org/.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college's School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

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