Flash wins big at MPA Journalism Conference [GALLERY]

Special to the Flash

On March 24, The Blue & White Flash student newspaper won many accolades in the Better Newspaper Contest during the 2016 O.C. McDavid Journalism Conference. The Jackson State University student newspaper brought back 13 awards, including five 1^st place recognitions in various categories.

“Participating in this conference for the second time has been a very rewarding experience. To see the improvements of my staff as well as my own personal growth motivates me to continue to work hard and excel in my field of study.  I feel we made JSU proud today because the skills and knowledge we have gained at JSU was displayed and recognized,” said Associate Editor William H. Kelly, III, a sophomore mass communication major from Houston, Texas.

The annual conference, sponsored by the Mississippi Press Association, took place at the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson, Miss.

The conference began with a welcome for Gene McDavid, son of O.C. McDavid, of which the conference is named.  Followed by presentations from Rick Anderson, a professional artist and  R. J. Morgan, executive director of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, who presented a thrilling look at Drone Journalism.  Staff members from the Clarion-Ledger;  Sam Hall, Geoff Pender, Kate Royals and Mollie Bryant, political editors and reporters, presented a panel discussion on Investigative Journalism.

Mark Braboy, a 4 year member of the staff and former associate editor, was pleased to be able to attend the conference for the last time.

“These conferences benefit aspiring journalists because they allow you to meet professionals within the industry, expose you to new technologies and overall changes in the field.  It’s important for students to participate and write for publications like The Blue & White Flash, because you are exposed to opportunities for awards, internships and jobs and the practical experience gained is priceless,” said Braboy, a graduating senior from Chicago, Ill.

The Flash competed against the following schools in the University category: Delta State University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, Dean of the School of Journalism, attended the awards program and was thrilled to see the accomplishments of the JSU students.

“I was so pleased to be present to see our students win 13 awards,” said Dr. Anthony.  “Our students were among the best in the state and they demonstrated their hard work and the tenacity of their efforts as upcoming professional journalists.

The Flash Staff won the following awards in the 2016 Better Newspaper Contest

1^st Place – Best Feature Story – Dwayne Joseph, Jr.
1^st Place – General News Photo – William H. Kelly
1^st Place – Single Advertisement – William H. Kelly III
1^st Place – Use of Video – The Blue & White Staff
1^st Place – Best Website – The Blue & White Flash
2^nd Place – Editorial Cartoon – Kristen Hudson
2^nd Place – General News Photo – William H. Kelly III
2nd Place – Single Advertisement – William H. Kelly III
2^nd Place – Editorials – Deirdra Harris-Glover
2^nd Place – Use of Video – The Blue & White Staff
3^rd Place – Single Advertisement – William H. Kelly III
3^rd Place – Best Front Page – The Blue & White Flash
3^rd Place – General Excellence – The Blue & White Flash

All photos by William H. Kelly III