Society of Professional Journalists 2024 Student Awards

The Society of Professional Journalists annually recognize the best in student journalism with the Mark of Excellence Awards. In 2024, UNC Hussman students and alumni brought home 12 awards for their outstanding work in reporting, writing and multimedia storytelling. The following is a list of winners from UNC Hussman and their prize-winning pieces. 

NATIONAL

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Finalist: Carolina Week: Special Edition – Life After Helene: Climbing the Mountain by Chris Williams ’25, Samantha Hoffman ’25 and Sophia Pedroso ’25

Sports Writing, Large School Division
Finalist: Building Community: How One Man’s Vision Created an Inclusive Soccer League for Latino Youth by Shelby Swanson ’25

Radio News Reporting
Finalist: North Carolina’s first ‘Safe Parking Site’ creates space for homeless people in cars by Sierra Pfeifer ’24

REGIOn 2 – winners and finalists

General News Reporting (Large)
Winner: We’re going to get forgotten by Olivia Gschwing ’25

Sports Writing (Large)
Winner: Building Community: How One Man’s Vision Created an Inclusive Soccer League for Latino Youth by Shelby Swanson ’25

Radio News Reporting
Winner: North Carolina’s first ‘Safe Parking Site’ creates space for homeless people in cars by Sierra Pfeifer ’24

Radio Feature
Winner: Pittsboro’s annual ‘Death Faire’ encourages people to embrace death, rather than fear it by Henry Taylor ’24

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Winner:  Sofia Casini ’25 and Henry Taylor ’24, Carolina Connection
Finalist: A fatal car wreck led to 10 alcohol arrests. But has anything changed for underage drinkers at UNC? by Noah Powell ’25

Television General News Reporting
Winner: Helene’s aftermath: One UNC student’s new reality — by Anna-Cater Meyer ’24, Meredith Kearson ’26 and Chris Williams ’25

Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner:  Carolina Week

Best All-Around Television News Magazine
Winner:  Carolina Week: Special Edition – Life After Helene: Climbing the Mountain