OXFORD, Miss. – A student and a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media were recognized nationally for their 2018 work by the Society of Professional Journalists.
Madison Scarpino, a junior broadcast journalism student from Tampa, Florida, won her award in the television breaking news category. Scarpino’s entry was “Ole Miss community reacts to controversial Facebook post,” which aired Sept. 20 on NewsWatch Ole Miss.
Scarpino said receiving the top award in the TV breaking news category was an honor and a shock.
“I never thought one of my news stories would receive such recognition, especially on a national level,” she said. “It means everything to me that my hard work is beginning to pay off and lead me to so many amazing opportunities.
“I am so excited to see what is next for me and, hopefully, continue to receive this type of recognition on future projects.”
Ariel Cobbert, a Hattiesburg resident who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2018, was a finalist in the photography breaking news category. She was honored for one of her Daily Mississippian photos from the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination anniversary event in Memphis.
Cobbert said the recognition was a great way to wrap up her college career.
“It was like the icing on the cake,” she said. “It was an honor winning the award for the journalism school.”