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Members of Andalusia High School’s broadcast team and yearbook staff attended Troy University’s annual J-Day event on Thursday, Oct. 19, and brought home several awards.

The event has been held for over 20 years and featured over 450 students from the region. The students were represented by high schools within a three-hour radius of the Troy campus.

“Our students look forward to the hands-on learning experiences provided at J-Day, using state of the art equipment and learning first hand from industry professionals in our area. It’s an opportunity for students to explore future educational opportunities and see the possibilities of what a career in communication might look like,” said AHS Broadcasting Sponsor Charlotte Walden.

The AHS broadcast team received first place in video newscast, first place in best video production, first place in best feature coverage, and second place in best TV station. The yearbook staff received awards such as first place in best theme, second place in overall yearbook, second place in sports coverage, third place in best photography, and third place in the best design category.

“The broadcast team delivered exceptional content, keeping the school informed, and entertained throughout the year. The yearbook staff captured the essence of the 2022 school year with creativity and passion. They received well-deserved recognition for it,” Walden said.

Following the awards ceremony, students split up into groups led by Troy’s student ambassadors and had the opportunity to attend a series of 50-minute sessions. Members of the university’s faculty, graduates, and the presidents of the Alabama Press Association and the Alabama Broadcasters Association led these sessions. Sessions featured a range of topics including the purpose of journalism in society, podcasting, design, interviewing and sports reporting. Students were able to see what goes into journalism and determine what interested them the most.

“I think it’s important for students to see what’s attainable,” said Troy University Hall School of Journalism Director Dr. Robbyn Taylor. “They can come to Troy and sit in on workshops with our recent graduates or our faculty members who are teaching and understand that if this is what they want to do, they can get hands-on experience here.”

Walden stated the J-Day event is a field trip AHS students look forward to every year.

“They are excited to share that our school brought home multiple awards for their hard work and dedication. We congratulate these amazing students on their achievements. Their passion, teamwork, and determination have earned them these accolades,” she said.

Walden and Skip Enzor serve as sponsors for the Andalusia High School broadcasting class. Gabrielle Maloy is the sponsor for the AHS Memolusia yearbook.

For more information email waldenc@andalusia.k12.al.us or call the school office at 334-222-7569.