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The ������ Utica Campus Radio and Television Department won big at this year’s Mississippi Association of Public Broadcasters Awards. The WHUC News 7 Team took home 10 awards including five in first place. Instructor Timothy Crisler is proud of his students.

“They work hard and I drive them hard. For the industry to acknowledge their hard work is just great. A great way to end the semester. As an instructor I am just happy I get to play a small role in helping them to accomplish their goals,” says Crisler.

Throughout the semester, students in the class chase new stories across ������ and across the metro area. Jacobus Roby, a sophomore from Raymond, won the award for Best TV reporter for his story on the St. John Food Ministry Community. He says he could not have done it without his fellow classmates and instructor.

“The night was so surreal. It was confirmation of all my hard work and I could not have done it without the help of my instructor and my WHUC News 7 team. It was just a blessing to see our hard work prevail,” said Roby.

Jennifer Boose, sophomore from Canton and a registered nurse was working the night of the award show but she says she was excited and proud to hear of the accomplishment. Boose says she has learned so much from her classmates and instructor.

“It has been wonderful. Its been a joyous occasion because we are like family now. Everyone comes from different walks of life. I want to be an advocate for people and this platform helps me to do just that,” says Boose.

Dean Jonathan Townes, Dean of Technology and Career and Technical Education, says it is always exciting to see students grow and achieve success in their program.

“I’m extremely excited not only for the division but for the campus and Hinds as a whole. This is a field that is growing and the opportunity for students to gain workforce experience, educational enrichment as well as opportunity to network as they prepare for a 4-year institution or the workforce is exciting. Being recognized for the work that they do is always a pleasure of mine. We talk about cultivating the student it is multifaceted its not just about what they do in the classroom but also what they do outside of the classroom,” says Townes

The Mississippi Association of Public Broadcasters awards recognizes the top radio and television stations across the state. The association represents the Mississippi broadcast industry in Washington and at the state and local levels.