Three high-achieving journalism students have been recognised in a significant south coast awards scheme, created in memory of a former journalist and champion of journalists’ rights.
The students, one from each of the three main institutions providing journalism training in the Solent region – the University of Portsmouth, Solent University and City of Portsmouth College – were nominated by their respective lecturers for their exceptional efforts in sometimes difficult circumstances.
The award-winners
James Buckley (20) (pictured top right) from Portsmouth; Michel Jreissati (20) (pictured left) from Cairo and Craig Tilley (27) (pictured bottom right) from Portsmouth were all awarded the Student Achievement in Journalism Award.
Trophy, a certificate and a cash award
Each student will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash award in recognition of their achievement.
The awards scheme is run the Solent branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in memory of their late colleague and former chairman, Bob Norris.
Norris: They have achieved so much
Bob’s widow, Pauline Norris, of Earnley, Chichester, a former journalist and Chair of the Solent NUJ, said,
“The 2022 successful students demonstrate just what this award in memory of my husband Bob is all about.
“They have achieved so much, often in challenging circumstances.”
Buckley: Journalism is a brilliant industry to get into
James Buckley, 20, from Portsmouth, who studied a NCTJ Journalism Diploma at City of Portsmouth College (Highbury Campus) said of his award,
“This feels incredible, and I’m very happy to have won! Journalism is a brilliant industry to get into – and I feel I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my tutors, Darren Sadler and Pauline Willson.
“They helped me so much, especially in terms of exam revision, and I feel my course qualification would have been a lot worse without their expert help!”
Sadler: James has a promising future ahead
Darren Sadler, Course Leader: NCTJ Journalism at the City of Portsmouth College, Highbury Campus, said,
“James is a neurodiverse student who is also partially deaf; throughout the course he has grown in confidence and overcome his own personal challenges to demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning, developing new skill sets and how he can approach the world of journalism in a way that will work for him.
“During his time at the college he has written a number of articles for The News (Portsmouth’s daily newspaper) and by attending the inaugural Diversity In Journalism event hosted by News UK in London, James was able to write about his experiences in an article that was published by The Disability Union. A lively young man, James has a promising future ahead.”
Jreissati: A great honour and privilege to be nominated
Cairo-born Michel Jreissati, 20, who studied a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism at Solent University, said,
“It is a great honour and privilege to be nominated, especially considering how talented and skilled all my course mates are. It is incredibly encouraging to see my work recognised though I must say it never felt like work or study.
“From the first day it seemed like I was doing something I genuinely enjoyed and was passionate about. I believe that could have never happened if it weren’t for my lecturers who make this course truly the best sports journalism course in the country.”
News shared by Anne on behalf of Solent Branch NUJ. Ed
