Arrow Students Selected as National Finalists in College Media Association Individual Contests

Southeast Missouri State University's student newspaper, the Arrow, has announced several students are national finalists in various categories of the College Media Association's (CMA) individual contests.

CMA announced its Pinnacle awards finalists this week, which recognize the top media programs in the United States. The Arrow is up for five awards in four categories. The following are areas students are being recognized:

• Video/Audio - Best Video Entertainment Program: "What's Up SEMO 2/5/24", Pat Buck and Hunter Caldwell.
• Video/Audio - Best Video Entertainment Program: "What's Up SEMO 3/18/24", Pat Buck and Hunter Caldwell.
• Video/Audio- Best Video Sportscast: "Zach Wilson is … good? UFC 296, and Ohtani's MASSIVE deal TMW (11)", Blake Schowalter, Beto Diez, Jeffery Long
• Reporting- Best Breaking News Coverage of Diversity: "SEMO Closes LGTBQ+ Resource Center", Emma Kratky
• Sports - Best Investigative Sports Story: "Advancing Technology On and Off the Field", Matt Cagle

Emma Kratky and Matt Cagle are both recent graduates working in the region as media professionals. Jeffery Long is a recent graduate working in Iowa as a media professional. Pat Buck, Hunter Caldwell, Blake Schowalter and Beto Vaca Diez are currently enrolled and employed as Arrow staff.

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"I believe the number of finalists we produce each year is a testament to the effectiveness of our program," said Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck, faculty advisor to the Arrow and professor of mass media at SEMO. "Students don't just grow as journalists and producers; they also grow as managers and leaders. Their time as part of the Arrow prepares them to work in a great number of jobs, both within and outside of traditional media roles."

This year's finalists are up against students from Division II schools, which include universities with undergraduate enrollment from 3000-9999 students. Some of these institutions include Vanderbilt University, Ithaca College, and Northwestern University.

Winners will be announced during the College Media Association Fall Student Media Convention. This year's convention will be held in New Orleans from Oct. 29-Nov. 2.

Applying To SEMO
Eligible new Missouri undergraduate students with a 2.75 high school GPA and who are eligible for Pell Grants won't pay any tuition or fees at Southeast Missouri State with the Will To Do Award. SEMO also offers one tuition rate nationwide for domestic students. Apply at semo.edu/apply.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. For more information or to visit campus, visit the Southeast Admissions page or [email protected].