New Orleans Celebrates Student Journalism Excellence
New Orleans — The city welcomed student journalists from across the country during the annual National College Media Convention, which took place this fall. This event, hosted by the College Media Association and Associated Collegiate Press, served as a platform for aspiring and seasoned journalists to connect, learn, and celebrate their achievements.
Among the many participants, Kernel Media from the University of Kentucky stood out, receiving a remarkable 52 award nominations. The conference not only highlighted the journalism skills of current students but also recognized the impressive contributions of former students.
Significant Awards for Kernel Media
Ryan Craig, the student media adviser at the University of Kentucky, was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Adviser Award. This award is an honor given to CMA members with at least five years of college media advising experience. Craig expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the talented students he has worked with. “It’s a big deal for me career-wise, but it also indicates how good and talented … students that I advise are,” Craig said.
Craig is now one of just five advisers from the University of Kentucky to receive this prestigious award. His commitment was echoed by current Kernel Editor-in-Chief, Abbey Cutrer, who noted, “There’s no one more deserving of this award.”
Recognition for Student Talent
The convention brought accolades for individual student achievements as well. Christian Kantosky, a junior and photographer for Kernel Media, was awarded first place for Best of Show for his “Photojournalism News Feature Photo.” Kantosky, who was unaware his photo had been submitted for award consideration, described the honor as a thrilling surprise. “I was completely shocked on it,” Kantosky remarked.
Another notable recognition was awarded to Rana Alsoufi, a 2024 graduate, who placed fourth in the Ernie Pyle Human Interest Profile Award. Alsoufi described her nomination as a significant achievement, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in journalism.
As a dedicated journalist, Alsoufi aims to spotlight ordinary yet impactful individuals. “It’s crucial for journalists to get support and reaffirmations,” she said, reflecting on the recognition she received at the convention. Kantosky and Alsoufi’s achievements illustrate the rising talent within Kernel Media.
A Focus on Multimedia Training
While celebrating their current successes, Kernel Media is also focused on future innovations in journalism. Craig highlighted their goal of remaining at the forefront through multimedia convergence. He mentioned the importance of the convention as a venue for training and collaboration among student journalists striving to overcome challenges.
Current Editor-in-Chief Hannah Stanley expressed excitement about the direction and improvements being made within Kernel Media. “We can’t forget about strong print reporting and making sure our photography and our video are just as high quality as everything else,” Stanley said.
Closing Thoughts
This year’s National College Media Convention proved to be a significant opportunity for student journalists from the University of Kentucky to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and learn from industry leaders. Through awards and substantial learning opportunities, students like Craig, Kantosky, and Alsoufi reflect the growing excellence of journalism in higher education.
