Five Trevecca students are finalists in the 2016 Tennessee Associated Press (AP) Broadcast and Media Editors student journalism competition.
“This is an honor for each student who is a finalist, but also for the journalism program and the university,” said JoEllen Werking-Weedman, Trevecca journalism instructor. “Our student journalists work incredibly hard and it's an honor for them to be recognized for their commitment to excellent college journalism.”
As the faculty adviser, Werking-Weedman selected and submitted the articles to the Tennessee Associated Press competition. Media professionals then reviewed the submissions and selected the finalists.
This is the third consecutive year that Trevecca students have been AP award finalists.
According to Duane Nelson, current president of the Tennessee AP Broadcasters and Media Editors Board of Directors, the professionals evaluate the submissions on a variety of factors, including storytelling, presentation and technique.
“It is a way to offer feedback to the person who places the entry to understand how his or her work is being viewed by others,” Nelson said.
The association has been sponsoring the contest for college journalists for about four years, Nelson said. In addition to the statewide contest, the association also organizes a career day on the same day as the awards presentation.
“While the contest gives them a chance to compete and see the types of entries that wins awards, the college workshop allows students to meet with news directors, editors and other professionals who offer career guidance and provide constructive feedback about their work,” Nelson said.
The five Trevecca communication arts students are nominated for awards in several categories. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on April 9.
Learn more about each of the nominated students and the awards they’re nominated for below. Find a complete list of finalists here.
Hannah Pollok
Finalist, Best Feature Story
“Abby Burke: Catching Souls at Trevecca”
Junior, communication studies
Background on the story:
I heard so many students talk about Dr. Abby and her fantastic voice and personality, so I asked around. As I learned more about her, I knew I had to write this story.
How it feels to be a nominated for an award:
As a journalist, this is a great honor. I am so appreciative for all of the opportunities I've been given at Trevecca that have helped me to improve as a writer and have led me to these sort of achievements.
Jessy Anne Walters
Finalist, Best Feature Story
“Plant Ops Director Keeps Campus Going”
Finalist, Best Investigative/In-Depth Reporting
“Trevecca Works to Prevent Sexual Assault”
Senior, communication studies with journalism minor
The backstory on her articles:
I wrote my feature on story about Glen because I believe it's behind the scenes people like him who keep the world running smoothly and have a greater impact on the world around us than we sometimes realize. The sexual assault prevention story, to me, is one of the most important articles I've written. It's an extremely important issue to be aware of, and I'm glad that I was able to shed some light on that issue here at Trevecca as well as help those who might need it.
Why being a finalist is an honor:
It's an honor because it confirms all the hard work put into these stories. JoEllen has taught me so much, and I'm really proud to be able to represent her teachings, Trevecca, and the passion behind these stories.
Manon Lane
Finalist, Best Specialized/Topic Reporting
“Tuition Equality for Immigrant Students in Tennessee”
Senior, media arts & studies–TV/film production
How the nominated story came about:
[I talked with a rep from World Relief.] He had a last copy of a book called Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Hwang Yang, that he gave me to give to my pastor, but told me I should read first. Fast-forward, I heard that Trevecca was hosting a luncheon for the Evangelical Immigration Table, featuring Matthew Soerens as speaker, and I suggested covering the event for my journalism class and the TrevEchoes. I went to both the luncheon and the presentation for the Trevecca community that followed. Jazmin Ramirez, a student at Trevecca, opened the presentation and the brief glimpse into her story as an undocumented student really hit me; I knew there was more that needed to be told. She touched on the bill for Tuition Equality as well, and I realized I needed to meet her and find out more information.
How it feels to be nominated:
I'm extremely excited to be nominated! What started out as one story for my class—because I recognized Matthew Soerens' name—turned into a whole series of stories that even took me to the Tennessee General Assembly. I learned so much following this story!
Bailey Basham
Finalist, Best Newspaper Reporter
Finalist, Best Investigative/In-Depth Reporting
“Growth in student body increases diversity”
Junior, multimedia journalism
Qualities good reporters should have:
I think the people that make good reporters are the people that care about those they are surrounded by. If you care about your neighbors’ stories and the things they have experienced that have shaped their points of view, then you are going to be more inclined to want to listen to their stories.
Why being a finalist is an honor:
Even though I am up against some incredibly talented people, I have still won by being recognized for all the hard work I put in to something I love doing. Regardless of what the outcome is, I am proud of myself, and I am proud of my friends that were nominated as well.
Olivia Kelley
Finalist, Best Online Investigative/In-Depth Reporting
“Students can now file work orders for dorm repairs”
Junior, multimedia journalism
Interesting tidbit about the story:
This story was really interesting to write, because … it turned into a much larger story. I found out so much about plant ops that I would've never known before, and it gave me a huge appreciation for all they do for us.
Response to being nominated:
Being nominated in itself just feels like a huge accomplishment to me. It speaks a lot to the program we have here and the amazing teachers who lead us.