By Edith Mariscal

NE broadcasting students won awards at the fall 2016 South Central Broadcasting Competition. 

They were finalists in the audio podcast category with “Sleep Paralysis” by NE student Jesse Frank and the promo video category with “Nightcrawler.” They won grand prize in the short film category with “Pappy.”

“We beat universities like the University of Oklahoma, Kansas State University and Stephen F. Austin State University and were finalists with Baylor University and Texas A&M-Commerce,” NE RTVB instructor Adrian Neely said. “We really stood up, and I was really happy with what our students put together.”

Students worked as a team to create the projects and bring recognition to TCC.

“We had several people to split the work,” NE student Chris Strong said. “Having a crew for support and people who really wanted to be there helping through every step is what made this possible.”

TCC students competed against recognized four-year universities.

“People tend to believe that when you come to a smaller college, you get a lesser education,” Neely said. “This shows that our students are at that level. It’s a combined effort of students and instructors. Students really worked hard. There always has to be some investment on the students’ part. They have to do their best.”

The team brought in a few actors who were not TCC students to participate in the short film.

“I was only the producer, the guy who brought everybody together, but it was a team effort,” NE student Milos Bukarica said. “It was a great experience. We got an amazing video out of it, and we keep getting good at what we do. It was a really long all-night 12-hour shift, but we loved the final product,” he said.

Students gained experience that will help them in the future.

“Hold on to all of your projects and submit whatever you have,” NE student Jesse Franks said. “It’s always worth it. Take all of the advice from your instructors.”