Durgee News and Ray News students earn national recognition at Student Television News contest

The results of the Student Television News Nationals contest were released today and students from Baldwinsville were recognized with multiple national awards, reflecting a strong year of storytelling, creativity, and production excellence.

Durgee News and Ray News students were honored in categories ranging from commercials and public service announcements to school and community feature stories and promotional videos. The recognition highlights the depth of talent and collaboration within the district’s student media programs and the continued growth of broadcast and digital storytelling opportunities for middle school students.

At Durgee Junior High School, students earned national recognition for two entries. The Maydan Cafe story received an honorable mention in the Middle School School and Community Feature category. Students involved in the project included Lilah Tari, Sophia Andersen, Tess Warga and Carolyn Smith. In addition, the Art Promo by Greyson Merrick earned second place in the Middle School Promo category.

Ray Middle School students also earned a strong set of results across several categories.

The student produced commercial Face Erase earned second place in the Middle School Commercial category. Students involved in this project included Scarlet Adamy, Brayden Gangemi, Mackenzie Hoekstra, Jorge Rivera, Harrison Turner and Avery Wells. 

An extended version of the same project, Face Erase Extended Edit, received an honorable mention in the Middle School Original Segment category. Students involved in this entry included Grace Edwards, Brayden Gangemi, Mackenzie Hoekstra, Jorge Rivera, and Avery Wells. 

In one of the top achievements of the contest for the district, Sunlight Over Screentime earned first place in the Middle School Public Service Announcement category. Students involved in the project included Grace Edwards, Mackenzie Hoekstra, Evelyn Shultz, Giada Wazen, and Avery Wells. 

Additionally, Ghost Walk received an honorable mention in the Middle School School and Community Feature category. Students involved in the project included Grace Edwards, Mackenzie Hoekstra, Evelyn Shultz, and Avery Wells. The piece was recognized for its storytelling approach and production quality, contributing to Ray Middle School’s strong overall showing in the competition.

The awards highlight how student voice continues to thrive through visual storytelling and broadcast journalism experiences.

A complete list of results from the Student Television News Nationals contest can be found online. Watch videos:
Student Television News Nationals Contest Results

Ray News Director is Justin Ashworth and Durgee News Director is Lindsay Cesari.