By Foster Conner
Page Editor
Amarillo College’s Student Media brought home 31 awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s convention in San Marcos, April 9-12.
TIPA is the oldest state collegiate journalism association in the nation. The group’s members include more than 60 Texas colleges and universities, two-year and four-year; private and public. Schools travel from across Texas travel to the annual convention to participate in hopes of raising the standard of college publications, exchange ideas with their peers, network with prospective employers and learn about different media techniques.
Student Media staff members attended seminars, allowing them to learn from accomplished media professionals while competing against 43 different schools in live contests.
AC students left the conference with an appreciation for the conference and the work journalists do. “I think opportunities like TIPA are vital for student journalism,” Gillian Crist, a general studies major, said. “Journalism is a career that is constantly at threat, and allowing students to strengthen themselves and their abilities help them fight back to the ever-changing work of media.”
Others were also able to develop new skills for their future careers. “I learned how to access information when facing challenges like suppression and the importance of seeking answers in the face of opposition,” Foster Conner, a mass media major, said. “I was able to be offered freelance work and meet influential people in the industry,” Conner said.
Mass Media instructor Brian Frank said he was proud of how AC Student Media performed. “All of The Ranger staff were amazing in how they conducted themselves. From the way they approached the competition to the way they looked out for each other. They are an outstanding example of what AC students should be.”
Students who attended the trip were Hayden Splawn, Foster Conner, Mia Flores, Jate Britton, Ale Garcia, Gillian Crist and Valerie Salas. They were accompanied by Student Media advisers Maddisun Fowler, John Brixen and Brian Frank.
Leave a Reply