Three high-achieving student journalists have won prestigious awards in an annual scheme dedicated to the memory of National Union of Journalists (NUJ) stalwart Bob Norris.
The trio represent the main providers of journalism training in the Solent region: the University of Portsmouth, Solent University and City of Portsmouth College.
The students were nominated for the awards by their respective tutors for exceptional efforts in what were sometimes challenging circumstances.
Each will receive a trophy, certificate and cash awarded by the Solent Branch of the National Union of Journalists as a tribute to former chairman Bob.
Reece Barrett
Reece Barrett is a 21-year-old from Newport, Isle of Wight, studied Sports Journalism at Solent University. He said,
“I’m humbled to win this award, and very, very proud to honour Bob with it. The Sports Journalism course at Solent has always encouraged me to get stuck in and just give it a go, and it’s great to see that sort of behaviour be recognised. To win an award in a year group full of such talented journalists is a real treat and certainly something that I wasn’t expecting!
“High achievement certainly doesn’t mean just winning awards, but to me, it instead means to change someone’s day with the content you’re producing. Even if it’s just one person who understands the reference on one line, if it’s enough to make them smile, that’s an achievement in itself. I think that being brave and always standing by what you publish is high achievement in itself. It doesn’t always have to be a groundbreaking exclusive story; whether it be national or local, if it changes someone’s day, it’s an achievement in my eyes.”
Reece added that he was excited about his career prospects and wanted to ‘get his face on screen’ as much as possible. ‘Everyone wants to be a household name, and I’d love to get there, but for now I’m going to celebrate with a Chinese takeaway!’
Will Cope, Associate Head of the Department of Film and Media at Solent University, said,
“From the outset, Reece showed an enthusiasm, dedication and determination in his studies to want to improve, seek feedback and play an active role in the student community.
“He served as a course student rep, was a willing volunteer at university recruitment events, offered himself up as a mentor to help others, and was keen to collaborate with other students across the department of film and media.
“Reece was a friend to many on the course and was a source of support and encouragement when a friend was needed. He was polite, courteous, respectful and driven and whilst being an excellent student, was an even better person!”
Binta Trawally
London-born Binta Trawally (21), who lives in Hilsea, Portsmouth, is a third-year student at the University of Portsmouth. Her tutors said she maintained a strong work ethic and dedication to her studies despite also managing family responsibilities.
She said,
“I feel so honoured and thrilled to receive the Bob Norris Award, I genuinely wasn’t expecting it. It’s a tremendous recognition of my work and I’m so grateful to everyone who has supplemented me. This award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact.
“Achievement in journalism has signified the commitment in uncovering the truth and being able to speak on behalf of the voices who otherwise would’ve gone unheard. I have found myself demonstrating this through the high standards of accuracy and fairness. Through my journalism journey I have been able to make a meaningful impact to society.”
Binta, who hopes one day to work for the Al Jazeera news organisation, said that her decision to study journalism was driven by people’s reliance on news providers to keep up with daily events in her parents’ home country, Gambia. ‘I wanted to do journalism so I could find out the mysteries of the world and be connected with people and get a better understanding of the world.’
Rae Sands, the University of Portsmouth teaching fellow who put Binta forward for the award, said,
“Binta has shown consistent commitment and dedication to the course and to the wider field of journalism. She has grown in confidence and has tried new things in order to push herself out of her comfort zone, including interviewing visiting speakers.
“Binta has been a supportive classmate, and her attendance has been excellent throughout her time at the University of Portsmouth. She has maintained this strong work ethic whilst managing caring and familial responsibilities. She has had to balance looking after younger siblings alongside her studies and additional work experience.”
Nathaniel Lawson
Nathaniel Lawson, 20, was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and lives in Ashington, West Sussex. He completed the NCTJ fast track diploma course at City of Portsmouth College, and has already landed a job at the Henley Standard.
He said he was ‘shocked’ to win the award.
“I am only here through the help of my lecturers and God. It feels incredible to be recognised for my work.”
He said that to him high achievement in journalism meant writing high-quality, accurate material that, as in the case of his employer, the Henley Standard, focused on local people and their stories.
Nathaniel added,
“I have a passion for writing and journalism allowed me to pursue that. I also really enjoy speaking to people and understanding their stories. It made the perfect career for me.”
Nathaniel has a keen interest in politics. He’s shown in the attached photo interviewing Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.
Darren Sadler, Lecturer in Journalism at City of Portsmouth College, said Nathaniel had been ‘a delight’ to teach. He said,
“One of the younger members of our L5 Diploma cohort – he turned 20 at the tail end of the course –Nathaniel has grown so much as an individual and as a reporter since starting his journey in September.
“Starting out as a quieter member of the study team, Nathaniel has become more confident in his abilities and has embraced all the learning with aplomb.
“Taking himself out of his comfort zone, with gentle encouragement Nathaniel has embraced some of the trickier aspects of his studies – he overcame his fear of doing pieces to camera and even took a placard/ sign to the streets of Portsmouth asking for hugs (and getting them) from complete strangers while researching a piece on National Hug Day!”
News shared by Anne on behalf of the Solent branch of the National Union of Journalists. Ed
