TJC student media program named finalist for national collegiate press award | TJC

TJC student media program named finalist for national collegiate press award

Tyler Junior College’s student media program, The Drumbeat, has been named one of seven finalists nationwide for the Broadcast Pacemaker award by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).

Often regarded as the most competitive and honored award in collegiate journalism, the ACP Pacemaker recognizes overall excellence and distinguishes top student media produced during an academic year.

TJC was the lone institution from Texas to be named as a finalist.

News programs produced by two- and four-year schools competed in separate categories. TJC is accredited as a Level II, baccalaureate-granting institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges.

Finalists included:
• Two-year schools — TJC and San Diego City College
• Four-year schools — California State University, Fullerton; Pepperdine University; Georgia State University; Kent State University; and the University of South Carolina

Four student-produced news programs from the 2019-20 school year were submitted for consideration, and three award-winning broadcast educators selected the winners.

“Being a finalist for a Pacemaker is an award in itself,” said Derik Gray, TJC mass communication program coordinator and professor. “The ACP is one of the two prominent national collegiate media organizations; the other is the College Media Association (CMA). While The Drumbeat recently has grown accustomed to winning CMA awards, this is the first time in over a decade that our student media is a finalist for an ACP Pacemaker.”

Gray continued, “I am proud of the growth and accomplishments of our student journalists. Student media is a voluntary extracurricular activity that requires significant dedication. The College’s support, along with our industry-seasoned faculty, conscientious use of resources, and local media assistance, help them excel. Our students can rest assured that experience in student media or a TJC degree in mass communication will mean something on their résumés.”

TJC broadcast program students and their hometowns: Yasmeli Alonso, Tyler; Isaac Belota, Bullard; Chrishayla Butler, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Jacala Callicutt, Allen; Carmen Collins, Dallas; Dallana Estrada, Mineola; Tyler Foudy, Tyler; Francisco Medina, Tyler; Adam Palacios, Tyler; Lexi Simmons, Tyler; Tradavion Spencer, Tyler; Chris Swann, Winnsboro; Omar Tavera, Jacksonville; Andrea Valdez, Mineola; Alyssa Waite, Tyler; and Zhaekyra White, Tyler.

 

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