JOURNALISTIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS — From left, Simone Stephenson, Ella Eagan, Reagan Shivers, Carlye Mahler and Ciara Kelly stand with their awards at the inaugural “News For You By You” student journalism competition and conference held at Stetson University’s Allen Hall on April 20.
On April 20, students, journalism professionals and members of the community gathered at Stetson University’s Allen Hall for the inaugural “News For You By You” journalism competition and conference, presented by The West Volusia Beacon.
With close to 20 entries from Volusia County high-school and college students, judges had the difficult task of choosing who would take home a well-deserved accolade.
Winners
College Division:
First-Place: Reagan Shivers, “Learning Florida’s hard history: A glimpse into the Teach the Truth Tour”
Second-Place: Carlye Mahler, “Facing the music: A deep dive into the busy SOM student”
Third-Place: Sara Ward, “Sick and submerged: Fighting for the right to clean water”
Runner-Up: Ciara Kelly, “Robbery restitution and ruin: Controversy with the British Museum”
High School Division:
First-Place: Ella Eagan, “Top Gun: The class”
Second-Place: Nancy Lin, “Dr. Marcus Eriksen sheds light on microplastics during Volusia County visit”
Third-Place: Sofia De Cespedes, “It’s lights out and away we go”
Runner-Up: Simone Stephenson, “The ME STRONG legacy”
The conference began with introductions by West Volusia Beacon Development Coordinator Elliana Dix and Stetson University Director of Community Engagement Kevin Winchell. Barb Shepherd, publisher and former editor of The Beacon, spoke about the history and mission of The Beacon, as well as the importance of continued engagement in community news reporting in an ever-evolving landscape of print and digital media. Beacon Editor Eli Witek served as master of ceremonies.
Additional speakers included:
- Cheryl Floyd: storyteller and writer
- Noah Hertz: reporter, WJCT News 89.9
- Dr. Primrose Cameron: professional development and educational research director at the Florida Education Association
- John Dunbar: executive editor of The Daytona Beach News-Journal
- Cory Lancaster: former managing editor of The Daytona Beach News-Journal and senior reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, assistant vice president of marketing communications and media relations at Stetson University
