Selecting the city she’d be spending a three-month internship in wasn’t a hard decision for Jacque Sondgeroth.

The senior in journalism and mass communication recently received a national public relations award from Edelman Public Relations. The award entailed a $1,000 cash prize as well as a three-month paid internship at one of Edelman’s 39 offices across the globe.

The award is given annually by Edelman Public Relations to a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America who has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and a commitment to a career in the field.

The award is named for Daniel J. Edelman, chairman and founder of Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, a global communications firm.

“This is such an honor – being recognized by such a well-known and respected firm from students across the nation,” Sondgeroth said. “What a great graduation present.”

Sondgeroth said selecting an office was an easy decision – she’s heading to Edelman’s Washington, D.C., office.

“I have a passion for politics and public relations,” she said.

Sondgeroth was one of a “record number of applicants” said Ronald Myers, president of the ISU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Myers, senior in journalism and mass communication, said Sondgeroth’s accomplishment is also good for ISU public relations groups.

“It’s a great honor not only for Jacque, but for Iowa State,” Myers said.

Myers said Sondgeroth has been actively involved in public relations for a long time, and the Edelman award is proof of her success.

Sondgeroth was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the central Iowa chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

“Jacque won a lot of awards, but this one will give her a window with what she really wants to do,” Myers said.