A former Kentucky Kernel editor in chief is a finalist for the 2016 Story of the Year award from the Associated Collegiate Press. 

Will Wright published “The woman behind the mask” in April 2016. The article tells the story of Crystal Little, a former Kernel staffer who Was convicted for robbing multiple Lexington banks. 

“I love writing stories, and I’m glad people liked that one. That’s the story I’m most proud of,” Wright said. “I read some of the other stories that placed as finalists, and there are some really well-written pieces in there. It means a lot to be in the same category as those other student journalists.” 

The ACP awards the prize each year “the importance of the story, quality of the reporting and quotes, quality of writing and editing, and credibility and leadership,” according to their website. A story can be submitted in five categories: news, feature, sports, editorial and diversity. 

The ACP also awards the Pacemaker Award to college newspapers. The Kernel is a finalist for that award this year. 

“I had a lot of help from advisers and other students on that story, so I’m really grateful to all of them,” Wright said.