03/26/2019
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University Department of Informatics recently participated in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters annual spring competition earning seven first place finishes, four seconds, and two honorable mentions.

Digital media production and journalism students and their advisors will receive the awards in Lawrence on Tuesday, April 2.

“It’s always great when our students are able to get the recognition they deserve, not only in competitions against other state institutions, but also across the nation,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network.

“We pride ourselves on preparing students for the real world after graduation, and our students continue to excel with the hands-on learning approach we utilize. The students have been taking advantage of opportunities they are presented with to not only further their education, but also become desirable hires for future employers,” he said.

Students from FHSU have a long history of competing in the KAB radio, television, news, sports and documentary categories. The historical momentum is bolstered by Hammond Hall’s state of the art facilities.

“Seeing firsthand how much time and dedication these students put into their work, it isn’t at all surprising to see this amount of recognition. These are the kids who know they want to tell stories and make a difference in the world after they graduate, and they are well on their way to doing just that,” said Russell Heitmann, News and Sports director for TMN.

Faculty advisors Dr. Ginger Loggins, assistant professor of informatics, and Ron Rohlf, assistant professor of informatics, coordinate contest submissions and student field trips.

Undergraduate Radio KAB Awards are listed in alphabetical order.

Nathan Johns, Oakley sophomore, majoring in information networking and telecommunications, first place in Complete New Feature with “Bootcamp Nickname.”

Dakota Rowlison, Salina junior majoring in digital media production and journalism, second place in Documentary with “My Rock Bottom.”

Undergraduate Television KAB Awards are listed in alphabetical order.

Lauryn Davis, Kensington sophomore majoring in elementary education, first place with Station Website for Tiger Media Network.

Lexi Gross, McCook, Neb., junior majoring in digital media production and journalism, placed first in Undergraduate: Intern TV with “Here at Sehnert’s Barkery we are one!” Gross also placed second in Promotional Audio or Video with “Sehnert’s Bakery: No Substitute (October 2018).”

Haley Lenauer, Saint George senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, second place in Public Affairs Program with “Under The Radar,” episode five.

Sergio “Alex” Perez, Garden City senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, first place in Complete New Feature with “Long Faced Dogs Are Back,” and honorable mention in Documentary for “Hays, America: The Music Within.”

Michael Turner, Maize senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, and Brooke Burton, Hill City senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, placed first in Entertainment Program with “Live and Local,” episode seven.

Gabe Warrick, Larned senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, and Paul Kirkwood, Garfield senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, received an honorable mention in Sportscast with “FHSU Football vs Northeastern State – 11/10/18.”

Warrick and Andrew McGinnis, Hays senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, placed second in Entertainment Program with “Live and Local,” episode four.

Graduate Radio KAB Awards are listed in alphabetical order.

Caroline Rae Strickland, Jenks, Okla., graduate student, placed first in Entertainment Program with “Losing Control (Audio Short Story),” and second in Entertainment Program with “The Millennials Manifesto (Podcast): End of the World.”

Undergraduate Radio Intercollegiate Broadcasting System finalists are listed in alphabetical order.

Davis is a finalist for Best Website with KFHS/Tiger Media Network.

Perez is a finalist for Best Documentary with “Hays America: The Music Within,” and for Best Video News Report with “The Long Faced Dogs Are Back.”

Justin Sabata, Hays sophomore majoring in digital media production and journalism, is a finalist for Best Station Promotion with “Bring the Thunder, KFHS Radio,” and Best Use of Video in the Radio Station for “The Penalty Box Summer F3,” episode three.

“It was pretty surreal being recognized in such a huge market and among so many people,” said Sabata. “This wasn’t Wichita or anything like that; this was New York City.”

“It’s great to see these students receiving recognition for the quality of their work. Consistently, year in and year out, these students walk the talk. I couldn’t be more proud,” said Angela Walters, interim chair of the Department of Informatics.