Every year since 2018, the University has hosted FOX61’s awards ceremony for the top middle and high school journalists from around the state of Connecticut. Students develop one- to two-minute news-style stories on subjects that matter to them – filming interviews and B-roll, writing, producing, and editing the pieces.
The pieces are evaluated by a panel of FOX61 professionals on their uniqueness, creativity, presentation, and engagement. Nominated pieces are also aired on FOX61 in the weeks leading up to the awards ceremony. Students who take home top honors in their respective categories share prize money.
“I've always been a big supporter of the FOX61 student news program because I've always been so impressed by the students that participated,” said Jack Banks, director of UHart’s School of Communication, in his welcoming remarks to the participants. “You're smart, you're creative, passionate, hardworking, and you know how to make use of media to call attention to the stories that you think are important.”
All the award winners, no matter what grade they’re in, are offered $5,000 scholarships to attend the University of Hartford if they select a major in the College of Arts and Sciences. “One day you may be working at FOX61 or another media company,” Banks said, “just like several of our students that have graduated from the University and gone on to successful careers. We can help make that dream come true.”
To view the ceremony and see a list of winning entries, click below.