SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University student media organizations recently earned multiple awards at a variety of state and national media contests. Students won awards from the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ), Missouri Broadcast Educators Association (MBEA), and Missouri College Media Association (MCMA). These contests reflected student media collateral produced or published in 2021.
“It’s important that we participate in these contests on both the state and national levels,” said Communication Department Chair Dr. Cameron Pace. “We know our students compete well, but we are also able to identify areas in which we can improve or strengthen within these communication outlets.”
Below is a list of awards by media, contest, category, and placement.
Highlights include a first place MBEA finish for EUTV’s sports show “Sports Update,” a first place finish for news show “Newswatch Today” in SCJ’s “Best TV Newscast,” second place in SCJ’s “Yearbook Overall – Small School” category for the Excalibur yearbook, a third place finish in MCMA’s “Sports Photography” category for the yearbook, and a first place finish for The Lance in MCMA’s division three “Best Overall Newspaper.”
CrusaderMedia.com, EU Films, EUTV, and KECC
Evangel’s student-run website, television station, and radio station earned five awards in the MBEA contest. EUTV also competed in the SCJ contest and won one award.
MBEA Contest
First Place
- Video – Film Scriptwriting, “Duality” – Jacob Harris
- Video – Sports Show, “Sports Update” – Cameron Wilson
- Video – Feature Film, “Witness” – Tristin Ray, Allyson Smyntek, Nathan Griffey, and Jacob Harris
Second Place
- Video – TV Newscast (Recurring), “Newswatch Today” – Max Boivin, Braeden Nelson, and Blade Wright
- Video – Film Documentary, “Jaded Lens” – Nathan Griffey
SCJ Contest
First Place
- Video – Best TV Newscast, “Newswatch Today” – Max Boivin, Braeden Nelson, and Blade Wright
Excalibur Yearbook
Excalibur received five awards from the SCJ contest and six from the MCMA contest for the 2021-2022 yearbook.
SCJ Contest, Yearbook Awards
Second Place
- Yearbook Overall Excellence: Small School, Excalibur Staff
Third Place
- Display, Excalibur Staff
- Photography, Excalibur Staff
- Writing, Excalibur Staff
- Concept of the Book, Excalibur Staff
MCMA Contest, Yearbook Division
Second Place
- Sports Photography, Caitlin Smith
- Portrait Design, Hayley (DeVivo) Harris and Bailey Biffert
Third Place
- Sports Photography, Nick Wagner
- Overall Theme Development, Excalibur Staff
Honorable Mention
- Feature Photography, Kali McCroskey
The Lance Newspaper
The Lance competed in the SCJ contest as well as MCMA in Newspaper Division 3. The student newspaper received seven SCJ award and 21 awards from MCMA, most notably MCMA’s “Best Overall Newspaper” award for Division 3.
SCJ Contest, Individual Awards
First Place
- Sports Feature, Ashlyn (Rinehart) Ballard
Second Place
- Editorial Page, Ashlyn (Rinehart) Ballard and Emily Connelly
- Feature Page, Gabby Matthews
Third Place
- Editorial Page, Ashlyn (Rinehart) Ballard and Emily Connelly
- Sports Page, Gabby Matthews
- Feature Page, Emily Connelly and Allyson Symntek
- Continuing Coverage, Emily Connelly
MCMA Contest, Newspaper Division 3
First Place
- Best Overall Newspaper, The Lance Staff
- Feature Writing, Ashlyn (Rinehart) Ballard
- Feature Photography, Emily Connelly
- Information Graphic, Sam Labertew
- Sports Photography, Gabby Matthews
- Sports Page, The Lance Staff
- News Writing, Sam Labertew
- Page One Design, The Lance Staff
Second Place
- Information Graphic, Ashlyn (Rinehart) Ballard
- Page One Design, The Lance Staff
- Editorial/Op-Ed Page, The Lance Staff
- Sports Page, The Lance Staff
- Sweepstakes, The Lance Staff
Third Place
- Sports Writing, Sadie Chisum
- Information Graphic, Emily Connelly
- Page One Design, The Lance Staff
- Sports Page, The Lance Staff
- Feature Page, The Lance Staff
- Website, The Lance Staff
Honorable Mention
- News Photography, Emily Connelly
- Feature Photography, Emily Connelly
About Evangel’s Communication Department
Evangel’s Communication Department prepares students to pursue careers within various media-related fields. Students study video, audio and film production, journalism, public relations, advertising, public speaking, multimedia design, and much more – all applied through methods of electronic media, print, and oral communication.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.