Communication students excel in national competition
FOR RELEASE: Monday, January 22, 2001
Huntington, Ind. "Huntington College communication students have earned several top awards in the National Religious Broadcasters Student Achievement Competition. The annual contest recognizes outstanding achievement in radio and television production by college students from across the nation. Building on a tradition of demonstrated excellence, Huntington College communication students took five first-place awards, one second-place award, and one third-place award, sweeping seven of the eight award categories pertaining to radio and television production. Competition winners will be honored at the 2001 National Religious Broadcasters Student Achievement Awards ceremony to be held February 11, 2001 in Dallas, Texas.
Josh Bean, a senior at Huntington College from Olivet, Michigan, placed first in the Studio Production category with his entry titled, "The Vision." Bean produces this monthly program in the studios of Huntington College. Created in a video magazine format, The Vision airs nationally on The Dish Network via Angel One. Bean also placed third in the Video Public Service Announcement category with his entry titled "Armor of God." This 60-second short dramatic clip demonstrates the power of prayer.
Sophomore Justin Clifton of Grabill, Indiana, and junior Christine Slagel of Del Haven, New Jersey, placed first in the Music Video category with their entry, "Hands and Feet." The video was produced with footage they shot during a Huntington College student mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Both Justin and Chris, who are engaged to be married, have pledged to donate the $125 first-place cash award to the Dominican orphanage they served.
Clifton also teamed up with junior Heather Wiltse of Walker, Michigan, to produce the first-place winner in the Radio Drama category. Their entry, "Criminals on the Cross," is a twenty-minute dramatic radio play offering a unique look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Sophomore James Hogg of Webberville, Michigan, and junior Jonathan Jonny Rice of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, placed first in the Radio Public Service Announcement category with their entry titled "Link Institute." This 60-second PSA features a creative look at the youth ministry research center based at Huntington College.
Senior Robert Johnston of Canton, Ohio, placed third in this same category with his public service announcement titled "Open Door." This PSA featured the community service opportunities citizens can have by volunteering to serve with the Open Door charitable organization.
Junior Sharra Sieminski of Charlottesville, Virginia, placed first in the Radio News category with her entry titled "Kids Kampus 2." Her investigative reporting style takes the listener inside this community outreach center operated by Pathfinder Services, highlighting the helpful services offered to unwed mothers of Huntington County.
Senior Brad Richardson of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and Ryan Howe of Carmel, Indiana, took second place in the Video Field Production category with their dramatic story, "Critical Measures." This thirty-minute short film pits good cop against bad cop as a distraught woman considers suicide.
"To place so many winners in such a competitive national contest is a huge honor, says Huntington College professor Lance Clark, who also serves as chair of the Intercollegiate Religious Broadcasters, a committee of the National Religious Broadcasters. It truly demonstrates that our students are integrating the theory they learn in class with the practical, hands-on application they discover in the field. I am so proud of them I could burst."
More than 100 entries were received from colleges and universities across the United States. Entries were judged by a blue-ribbon panel of media professionals from the television, radio and film industries.
Huntington College's Department of Communication offers academic concentrations in radio and television broadcasting, print journalism, public relations, oral communication, theatre performance, and theatre design. Founded in 1897, the four-year Christian college is located in Huntington, Indiana.
