Richland Chronicle Student Media members took the top award in cartooning and won several other awards at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association spring convention on April 9.
Not only were there a variety of workshops to attend, but students also had the opportunity to compete in live and presubmitted entry contests that tested their skills in different forms of media.
These contests included live coverage of sporting events, radio and TV announcing and on-the-spot reporting.
All the workshops were taught by professional journalists and professors from across the country. There were plenty of sessions to choose from, ensuring that every attendee could find something they were interested in.
For instance, one of the sessions was Latinas in Public Relations, which highlighted diversity in the media industry.
In addition to the workshops and contests, several guest speakers presented throughout the event, including published authors.
At a Friday luncheon, Claire St. Amant, author of “Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television,” delivered an inspiring speech about her career and her passion for journalism. Attendees were even able to purchase her book at a discount and get it signed.
For those more interested in networking than books, the convention also offered opportunities to connect with professors from universities such as Baylor and with representatives from various companies and media outlets.
A career fair was held featuring internship, scholarship and job opportunities. There was something for everyone, whether it was a writing position, a broadcasting internship or a role in digital media.
While competition was a big part of TIPPA, the most valuable aspect for many attendees was the chance to make industry connections and learn from those who have been working in journalism for years. The experience itself was rewarding and will no doubt be helpful in the future.
An awards ceremony was held April 12, to recognize student work submitted in various categories. The Chronicle staff earned several honors in both live and presubmitted contests:
● Shiza Siddiqui –Third Place, Live Radio Advertising
● Carlos Ortega – Third Place, Live Video News; 1st place, Feature Reporting
● Jerry Weiss –Winner, Comic Strip/ Panel and Editorial Cartoon
● Aislyn Smith – Winner, Newspaper Cover Design
● Bao Duong – Winner, Illustration
● Chronicle Staff – Winner, Best Editorial
These contests were highly competitive, with entries submitted from colleges across Texas. The live contests were especially difficult, requiring fast thinking and limited access to interviews or resources.
While bringing home awards was rewarding, what mattered most was the experience which was filled with skill-building and fun.
