Alizah Thornton, a Clarion University senior communication major from Harrisburg, is a finalist in the 2013 Society for Collegiate Journalists’ Art Barlow Student Journalist of the Year competition, according to Bill Ruehlmann, former president of SCJ.

The award is named for longtime SCJ executive director Dr. Arthur H. Barlow. Barlow, professor emeritus of communication, taught at Clarion and served as an advisor for Clarion University’s student newspaper, The Clarion Call.

SCJ is a national honorary society for collegiate mass communications. The Student Journalist of the Year award is based on outstanding contributions to college journalism and is designed to allow SCJ chapter advisors to bring national recognition to a student journalist who meets the highest standards of ethics, service, leadership and technical skills.

Dr. Laurie Miller, who advises Clarion’s SCJ chapter and the staff of The Clarion Call, nominated Thornton for the award. Thornton serves as president of the Clarion chapter and news editor of The Clarion Call.

As a nominee, Thornton will receive a certificate from the SCJ national office and will compete with other finalists across the nation for the award.