Established reporter inspires students

By Chris Jackman

CBC’s David Common spoke to up-and-coming journalists at St. Clair College’s seventh annual Journalism Awards Night.

The event was held at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts to recognize the students of the journalism and media convergence programs. Common answered questions for the students and shared experiences from his career. The speech gave the young journalists a look at the work they could someday be doing.

The night also featured awards for the students. Professors, alumni and members of the media presented plaques to the winners and certificates to the runners-up.

Program coordinator Veronique Mandal accepted an award presented by the students called the Heart of the MediaPlex award, which is awarded to a member of the MediaPlex who cares the most about everyone in the program.

“I think that this was probably one of the best JAN nights that we have ever had,” said Mandal. “There was a tremendous feeling of warmth and camaraderie in the room that I think everyone was feeling.”

The event was organized by journalism club president Sarah Ryrie, who hosted the event along with fellow second-year student Mitch Whent.

“I started planning JAN in October and it didn’t stop until the night of,” said Ryrie.

Despite all the hard work, she said, she was very happy with how the night turned out.

“David Common was a phenomenal guest speaker and I think he opened up everyone’s eyes to the possibilities of journalism,” she said.

Mandal also said she hoped the evening would be an opportunity for the students to mingle with professionals in the business.

“The number of people from the print and broadcast media showed an overwhelming support for the students,” she said. “Hopefully they will have been so impressed they will look at hiring some of these very talented young journalists.”