Students from the Communication, Journalism and Media department recently received nine Keystone Student Press Awards for 2024. According to Pennsylvania News Media Association, the Keystone Student Press Awards “recognizes high school and college journalism that provides relevance, integrity and initiative in serving readers.” Every year, students involved in student media on the campus of SU submit their work to the Pennsylvania News Media Association.
“The awards are a testament of their dedication to their student media organizations and the hard work they put in every day.” Michael Drager, associate professor of Communication, Journalism and Media and advisor of The Slate said.
The Slate, SU’s on-campus newspaper, won four awards which included: Cartoon/Graphic Illustration, honorable mention, Adam Beam 24’, News Photo, second place, Allyson Ritchey 24’, Photo Story, second place, Allyson Ritchey 24’ and Photo Story, honorable mention, junior Quehanna Coble.
SUTV, SU’s on-campus television won five awards which included: Podcast, honorable mention, Adam Beam 24’, Best Broadcast Newscast, second place, Adam Beam 24’, Carson Devitt 24’, Fredrick Hardman 24’, junior Austin Bryner, junior Madi Shively and sophomore JD Dorazio, Best Broadcast Feature, first place, Adam Beam 24, Best Broadcast Public Service, first place, Adam Beam 24’ and Best Broadcast Sports Coverage, first place, sophomore JD Dorazio. This was SUTV’s first time submitting work for the Keystone Student Press Awards.
Drager also commented on how the awards can help students land a job after graduation. “Having a Keystone Press Award on their resumes can be quite a benefit when seeking employment in the future. Students who are interested in a career in media see the success of students working in student media and the benefits of winning a Keystone award and they realize the importance of getting involved in student media.”
Carrie Sipes, Communication, Journalism and Media department chairperson and associate professor credits the hands-on experiences that help students apply for the awards. “These hands-on experiences are essential to training the next generation of ethical, competent journalists and media professionals. We are thrilled to see students continued success in this area.”
