Audrie Garrison has written more than 80 stories for the Indiana Daily Student. Six of those stories helped her win a two-week trip to Asia.

Garrison, a freshman in the School of Journalism, is one of nine winners of the Roy W. Howard reporting competition, which is sponsored by the Scripps Howard Foundation and the IU School of Journalism. Journalism dean, Brad Hamm, who studies Asian media, will lead the group of winners to media outlets in Seoul, Tokyo, Kyoto June 11-24.

Garrison's winning articles included a series of five stories describing the problem of carcinogenic asbestos in the IU dorms. Some IU dorms still have asbestos ceiling tiles, which don't pose a risk to students unless they are broken or damaged.

"The first two outline the problem and the reason that there are two more is that I was reporting a change that was being made," Garrison explained. Most dorm residents didn't know that damaged ceiling tiles could pose a risk, she said. Now, the dorm administrators are trying to make sure that students are aware of the danger of damaging the tiles.

"It appears that the publicity that was being given, I guess, inspired the change," Garrison said.

The final story Garrison entered was a profile of IU Police Department officer Lt. Tom Lee, who was seriously injured while providing police escort for a funeral procession.

Garrison's selection is a testament to her skill as a writer and reporter.

"We were overwhelmed by the quality of the students who applied," said Brad Hamm, dean of the IU School of Journalism. "There were so many worthy people, and it's quite an accomplishment that Audrie was selected among the top nine journalism students in the nation."

Garrison found out about the award when Sue Porter of the Scripps Howard Foundation called her cell phone during her East European Politics class.

"While I was in class, I saw an unknown call, and I assumed it was the IDS and they don't usually call me at 10:30 in the morning unless it is something really bad," said Garrison, who has been covering the police beat for the IDS this semester. "It was much better news than I was expecting."

Garrison, a native of New Palestine, Ind., is eager to make her first trip overseas, though she'll have to forgo a family vacation to the beach with her parents.

"I'm interested to find out how the press works in South Korea and Japan," she said. "I'm sure they have different laws and cultures."

Hamm also looks forward to sharing the Asia trip with Garrison.

"I'm so pleased that this award will be Audrie's first trip abroad, and I know that what she learns will make her an even better journalist, student and person in the future," he said.

Read a press release from Scripps Howard Foundation announcing the nine winners


Read Audrie Garrison's award-winning stories:

Damaged asbestos likely in 4 dorms


RPS: Students must report asbestos damage


RPS to change asbestos policy


RPS to comply with EPA standards


Works might be exposed to asbestos


Off-duty officers face danger escorting funerals