11/09/16 lds
HAYS, Kan. -- A public relations project produced by 12 students from Fort Hays State University won a second-place award in the recent 2016 National Federation of Press Women nationwide contest.

The award was in the collegiate division for "Building the Future of Public Relations Student Society of America at FHSU."

NFPW is a nationwide organization of women and men pursuing careers across the communications spectrum.

This campaign plan was produced in fall 2015 in a public relations class taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang (pronounced sheen-yen-yahng), associate professor of communication studies. Awards were recognized during the 2016 NFPW Communications Contest Awards Banquet in September of 2016.

The students are listed by hometown with classifications, majors and high schools.

Burdett: Scarlett Olsen, senior, is a Pawnee Heights High School graduate.

Calhan, Colo.: Christina Munster, junior, is a Calhan High School graduate.

Colorado Springs, Colo.: Chelsea Payne, a senior majoring in communication, is an Air Academy High School graduate.

Colwich: Chase Kear, a senior majoring in communication, is an Andale High School graduate.

Garden City: Carla Parra-Martinez, a sophomore majoring in communication, is a Garden City High School graduate.
Jayden Speer, a junior majoring in communication, is a Garden City High School graduate.

Goddard: Marina Witt, senior, is a Northeast Magnet High School graduate.

Hays: Cody Luebbers, a junior majoring in communication, is a Hays High School graduate.

Lenexa: Sophia Young graduated from FHSU in 2016.

Medicine Lodge: Zach Larkin, a senior majoring in communication, is a Medicine Lodge High School graduate.

Osborne: Katherine Hindman, a senior majoring in communication, is an Osborne High School graduate.

Toledo, Ohio: Libby Flores, a senior majoring in general studies, is a St. Ursula Academy graduate.

"This project was both challenging and fun. I had an amazing group and learned so much about planning PR campaigns," said Olsen.

"I have already used more than one skill that I gained from this project at my internship this semester. I am so thankful for this hands-on experience."

While they were creating the campaign plan, the students also founded an FHSU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. The chapter was approved by the PRSSA headquarters in February 2016.

"The FHSU chapter of PRSSA will provide our students many opportunities to enhance their education, broaden their network and even launch their career," said Yang, who is also the faculty advisor of FHSU PRSSA.

PRSSA is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications, with more than 300 chapters and 11,000 students.