Gage Wellman, a junior in 91视频鈥檚 journalism program, competed among the nation鈥檚 best college journalists in the 66th Hearst National Journalism Championships May 31-June 5 in San Francisco. Wellman, who hails from Parma, Ohio, earned a $1,500 finalist award in the Writing category at the national competition.
91视频 Today spoke to Wellman just before leaving for the competition.
Considered the 鈥淧ulitzers of College Journalism,鈥 the Hearst competition brought together 29 leading student journalists from across the U.S. to complete a series of spot assignments under deadline conditions. Wellman said the assignment this year was to explore how, and if, San Francisco as a community has rebounded from the pandemic.
鈥淚 had a great time,鈥 Wellman said. 鈥淥verall, the assignment was a challenge, and I鈥檓 going to try very hard to be a return competitor this upcoming year.鈥
Competition categories included writing, photojournalism, audio, television, multimedia and podcasting. The student journalists鈥 work was evaluated by leading media professionals serving as program judges, who selected the national champions and top finishers in each competition category.
The weeklong experience was also a chance for student journalists to network and get to know others in their chosen field, which Wellman said he enjoyed.
鈥淵esterday was one of the best days I've ever had,鈥 he said. 鈥淏efore the results were announced, the other writers and I hung out all day long. We went to the Golden Gate Bridge, to Fisherman's Wharf, to Oracle Park, and the weather was great. The other writers were such kind, amazing and talented people. I have truly made friends for life in them.鈥
