TJC’s student media, The DrumBeat, won several awards at the Texas Community College Journalism Association’s annual conference, which recognizes the best in community college journalism statewide.
The DrumBeat placed second in overall excellence for its printed newspaper where students cover breaking news, entertainment, sports and more. Additionally, The DrumBeat placed third in overall excellence for its website, which houses the organization's multimedia content.
“Our staff continues to provide the best in collegiate journalism,” said Kasi Dickerson, TJC mass communication professor and The DrumBeat co-adviser. “I’m so proud of the students’ drive and dedication to producing professional multimedia content and continually informing the TJC community.”
Many students also won individual awards ranging from video and audio news to page design. Their award-winning coverage featured topics including safety on campus, athletic accomplishments, and community and international news.
The DrumBeat student media comprises a printed newspaper, an online edition with multimedia content, a news broadcast and social media management. It is one of the oldest student organizations at TJC and is open to all majors.
Individual awards and recipients
First Place in Video Sports — Paris McGinnis
First place in Headline Writing — Marie Salazar
First Place in Multimedia Package — Alexa Glenn
First Place in Newspaper Page Design — Chris Swann and Marie Salazar
Second Place in Sports Feature Writing — Maddison Johnson
Second Place in Audio News — Christian Quarles
Second Place in Column Writing; Second Place in Feature Photo — Brooklyn Gundling
Third Place Open Video Production — Colton Hollis, Michael King, Leigh Meyers, Santiago Nunez, Paris McGinnis and The DrumBeat Staff
Third and First Place in Sports News Writing; Second Place in Video Sports — Colton Hollis
Third Place in Video News — Dallana Estrada
Third Place in Audio News — Tanner Smith
Honorable Mention in News Writing — Asia Johnson, Colton Hollis and Connor Mason
Students listed by hometown
Ben Wheeler: Marie Salazar
Fayetteville, North Carolina: Leigh Meyers
Friendswood: Brooklyn Gundling
Gilmer: Maddison Johnson
Houston: Alexa Glenn
McKinney: Paris McGinnis
Mexico City, Mexico: Santiago Nunez
Mineola: Dallana Estrada
San Augustine: Colton Hollis
Tyler: Asia Johnson, Michael King, Christian Quarles, Tanner Smith
Van: Connor Mason
Winnsboro: Chris Swann