FAMU journalist continue to rack-up awards

Student's from the FAMU Schools of Journalism & Graphic Communications (SJGC) scored big at the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters 2007 College Awards and the Society of Professional Journalists Regional competition. FAMU journalist claimed four first place awards at the competitions.

Jessica Larche, a senior broadcast journalism major from New Orleans, was named the first place winner in the AP awards for Best Radio Newscast Up to 15 Minutes. Miss Larche received another first place award for “WANM Wake-UP, The March for Martin Lee Anderson.”

Joining Miss Larche as first place winners were Kumasi Aaron, a senior broadcast journalism major from Sebring, FL and Zachary Rinkins, a senior broadcast journalism major from Miami. Miss Aaron’s winning entry was titled “Remembering Nefertiti Williams,” and Rinkins won for his radio feature “PAYDAY.”

In the AP television category Serge Beaubrun, a senior broadcast journalism major from Miami, received the first place award for his story “Once Upon a Time.”

Jamila Phillips from Penascola and Karel Crawford, Miramar, received the second place award for their documentary titled “Off the Court.” Second place also went to Jasmine Hicks, Ft. Washington, MD., and Shayla Flowers, Jacksonville, for their documentary “What is Beauty.”

“Impressive is the word that best describes these awards,” James Hawkins, dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, said. “This recognition indicates the high quality of talent we have among the students in our school.”

In the Society of Professional Journalists Region 3 Mark of Excellence Awards for college journalists, Nicole Bardo-Colon, a print journalism major from Jacksonville, was named the first place recipient in the magazine non-fiction article category. Her entry was titled “Code of Silence.” Ebonie Ledbetter, journalism major from Fairburn, Ga., received second place in this category for her story titled “A League of Their Own.”

Driadonna Roland, Detroit, earned a second place finish in the general column writing category; and Tejay Henderson, a broadcast journalism major from Brandon, FL., was named the second place winner in the Television General News Reporting Category.

Journey Magazine, the student magazine published four times annually, earned a second place finish in the Best Student Magazine Category.