UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — One Penn State student was named the nation’s best sports talent, a faculty member earned an Award of Excellence and student work in a half dozen categories was recognized for excellence during the BEA Festival of Media Arts.
Senior Zach Gershman led the award-winning, blue-and-white contingent. He earned first place in the category for Video Sports Talent. He was also recognized in the Television Short News Reporting category for a piece titled “Tik Tok’s Favorite Gym Teachers.”
Other Penn State student honorees were:
- Television Short News Feature Reporting, Preston Shoemaker, “Caylix’s Story: A Reason for Rhythm”
- Television Hard News, Isabella Leahy and Matt Noah, “Penn State Cancels Controversial Event Over Security Concerns”
- Television Weathercaster, Joey Walker
- Video Sports Story/Feature (long), Eric Fenstermaker, “From Granite to Greatness”
- Video Sports News Program, “After the Whistle”, a Nov. 4, 2022, episode with credits to AJ Sisson, Jake Starr, Andre Magaro, CheRanda Hammond , Zac Larew, Logan Bourandas and Austin Groft
In addition, Ashley Seering, an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Film Production and Media Studies, earned an Award of Excellence in the Short-Form Documentary category for her film “Postcards.”
The Broadcast Education Association is the premier international academic media organization for educators, students, and professionals. Hundreds of schools participate in its contests; this year the BEA Festival of Media Arts received over 1,650 entries from students and faculty in a wide range of categories.