Middle and high school student journalists from across Connecticut were honored in a ceremony at the University of Hartford recently for their exemplary work in the FOX61 Student News Awards.
For more than 30 years, the program has given Connecticut students the opportunity to explore the world of multimedia journalism by producing one- to two-minute news-style stories on subjects that matter to them. This year more than 130 stories were entered.
Students developed the subjects, shot the B-roll and interviews, wrote, produced and edited the pieces. They were evaluated by a panel of FOX61 professionals on their uniqueness, creativity, presentation, and engagement.
In addition to cash awards, winners are also offered $5,000 scholarships to the University of Hartford if they choose to apply and are accepted.
Jack Banks, director of the School of Communication, encouraged the honorees to sign up for the Digital Storytelling and Media Literacy Summer Workshop, which is being offered for the first time next month. 16 students will be admitted on a competitive basis to learn about how to be not only news and media producers, but more thoughtful consumers of news as well.
The program, valued at $2,000, is being offered for free thanks to a generous donation from Impact Teen Drivers and the continued support of NJM Insurance Group.
Banks told honorees that those who submitted stories to FOX61 Student News would be ranked higher in the application process.
“You are smart, creative, passionate, hardworking, and you know how to make use of media to call attention to issues that you think are important,” he said.
You can learn more about the FOX61 Student News program, watch the awards ceremony, and see a list of this year’s winners by clicking below.