Mass Communication Students Dominate Awards at Press Institute

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) mass communication students earned 20 awards in the annual competition held during the 75th Southern Regional Press Institute at Savannah State University.

The total was more than double that of any other participating school. Awards were presented during the closing ceremony of the two-day media conference for college students across the Southeast. Entries were judged by Savannah-area media professionals.

Out of 39 total awards across 13 categories, NCCU students won more than half and received the most first-place honors. They also swept three categories: Best News Photography, Best Mini-Documentary and Best Radio Drama.

"The goal for our Eagles success is simple. Students learn in classroom, apply the lessons outside of the classroom, produce content, compete, boost their resume and secure jobs prior to graduation," said Chavis Carter, lecturer and NCCU TV Studio assistant, who oversees the Central News student newscast and coordinates contest submissions. "Our students are checking off the boxes before they cross the stage. Qualifying and securing jobs in the industry and positioning them to be successful."

Founded in 1951, the Southern Regional Press Institute is the third-oldest scholastic journalism institute at a historically Black college or university. Before integration, it played a key role in training many prominent African American journalists.

"This year was especially significant for us because it was the 10th anniversary of our first time attending the Institute and participating in the contest," said Calvin Hall, Ph.D., department of mass communication chair. "I am in awe of our students and their successes - and the faculty members who supervise our student media activities. As a former student media adviser, I know how hard they work to contribute to the success of their student media staff members."

Awards Breakdown

First Place

• Best News Photography - Andy Kavul, Morgan McNeil and Daijah Boyd
• Best Mini-Documentary - "Hoops and Heart"
• Best Advertisement - Jabari Robinson
• News Story - De'Zaria Lucas
• Best News Site - Campus Echo

Second Place

• Best Podcast/Internet-Streamed Show - Dylan Franks and William Dozier
• News Package - Jay'lynn Harrison, Central News
• Best Mini-Documentary - Jabari Robinson
• Best Radio Drama - K'Mari Greene
• Editorial/Opinion Column - K'Mari Greene
• Sports Story - Charles Green
• News Story - Amiya Neal

Third Place

• Best News Photography - Mesa Jones and Alex Murphy
• Best Features Photography - Daijah Boyd, Lelah Cannady and Morgan McNeil
• Best Podcast/Internet-Streamed Show - Chidinma Ukpabi and Denaijah White
• Best Mini-Documentary - Julia Washington
• Best Radio Drama - Derek McKoy
• Feature Story - Amiya Neal