Congratulations!
to the Michigan National SPA Nominees & Winners
BRING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF TO THE NEWSROOM
Alicia Nails
An interactive online discussion with Emmy award-winning journalist Alicia Nails takes place via Zoom on Sunday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m., right before the Student Production Awards.
How do you stay true to yourself when starting out in journalism? Alicia Nails, director of Wayne State University's Journalism Institute for Media Diversity, answers that question with the help of two special guests in our upcoming webinar, "Bringing Your Authentic Self to the Newsroom." We invite the next generation of journalists to join us right before the Student Production Awards as we discuss how to preserve your culture as you become a professional, with natural hair and code switching among the topics.
And you may come away with more than just knowledge: those who participate in this online session will have several chances to win a gift card!
2022 STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARDS
STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARDS FOR COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Join the Academy along with presenters, Ron Hillard, WEYI, Natalie Kerwin, Bally Sports Detroit, and Geri Alumit Zeldes, Ph.D, MSU as we celebrate outstanding achievement for College and High School students across the Michigan Region.
The Student Production Awards will be streamed on our YouTube channel on
Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 3:00pm
Natalie Kerwin
Natalie Kerwin is a Digital Reporter, Host, and Sideline Reporter with Bally Sports Detroit. She covers the Detroit Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings, along with high school football, basketball, and other sports stories in the state of Michigan. Natalie is a 2020 graduate of Michigan State University where she studied Sports Journalism and Spanish
Ron Hilliard
Ron Hilliard joined the NBC 25/FOX 66 News team as a reporter in December 2018. He assumed additional duties and joined the StormReady Weather team as the weekend weather forecaster in 2020. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and Specs Howard School of Media Arts.
Geri Alumit Zeldes, Ph.D
Geri Alumit Zeldes, Ph.D. is a tenured Professor in MSU’s School of Journalism and serves as ComArtSci’s Faculty Excellence Advocate. Zeldes doubles as an academic and practitioner. She has a dozen best paper awards from international communication associations and 100+ honors and screenings for her documentary films and other creative scholarship.
2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
College SCHOLARSHIPS
Jacara Charles
Madonna University
Ethan Calado
Madonna University
Nephretiti Givens
Mott Community College
Madison LaBonte
Mott Community College
Julian Stainback
Michigan State University
HIGH SCHOOL GRANTS
Dearborn High School
McBain High School
Plymouth High School
Troy Athens High School
Awards Store
Anyone listed on official SPA nominated or recipient entries may purchase awards. Nomination Certificates and Crystal Pillar Awards come engraved with entrant’s name and role on entry.