WOODBURY, NY – The Press Club of Long Island hosted its annual PCLI Media Awards on June 15th at The Fox Hollow in Woodbury, New York. The event recognizes the work of journalists in print, broadcast, and online media. Over 150 awards were presented, including three to Five Towns College students.
The awards ceremony began with the induction of the Long Island Journalism Hall of Fame Class of 2023, which included Danielle Campbell, an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist who recently retired from a 30-year career at News 12 Long Island. Campbell has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College. Other honorees included Larry Levy, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and now Executive Dean of Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies; Irene Virag, Pulitzer Prize winner and current Associate Dean and Undergraduate Program Director at the Stony Brook University School of Communication and Journalism, and the late Sid Cassese who was a respected Newsday reporter over his 42-year career. Cassese passed away in February at the age of 83. His granddaughter accepted the award in his honor.
Current Mass Communication students Kate Miller and Chrissie Pastrana and recent alums Sean Lanigan, Jacob Bila, Manny Vazquez, and Sebastian Prout were awarded third place for Best College Television Broadcast work in FTC’s Advanced Lab Newscast. The students were thrilled to win this award together. Jacob Bila shared, “It feels great, especially winning this with my fellow Mass Comm peeps.”
The students’ families and Five Towns College administration and faculty were in attendance, including Vice President Janet Kaplan, Director of Career Services Krysti O’Rourke, Mass Communication Chair Holli Haerr, and Professors Brigette Boyle and Rashika Williams.
The PCLI Media Awards is a special night for Haerr, who expressed her pride and excitement, stating, “Early in my career, I won a few of these awards myself, and I am so much more excited to see my students winning them than I ever was for myself. It just makes me so proud.”
Five Towns students were thankful for all the lessons and techniques they learned in class. “I was nervous when I was up there [during the newscast], but I always remembered what Professor Mike Quick told me, not to read it but to perform it,” said Sebastian Prout, who anchored the sports segment of the newscast.
Brandon Laxton, a 2023 graduate, won two individual awards: second place for Best College TV Reporter and third place for Best Student News Package. Laxton was proud to be recognized by the PCLI, saying, “I am speechless. It’s my second year being a winner at the PCLI awards, and I would never have expected to walk home with not one but two awards.”
While reminiscing about his time in college, Laxton shared, “I have done a lot at Five Towns, and I think I have experienced a lot of growth over the years from my freshman year, where I couldn’t even be in front of the camera without stuttering, to going out and becoming who I am as I graduate.”
The Press Club of Long Island’s Media Awards and Hall of Fame induction ceremony will return next year to continue honoring and recognizing the work of journalists all over Long Island. Submissions for the 2024 awards open in January and will remain open until March 1st. For more information about the awards or to become a member, check out pcli.org.
About the author
George Santos Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Identity Theft, Faces Years in Prison
George Santos exits the Central Islip Federal Courthouse after entering into a guilty plea CENTRAL ISLIP, NY - Former Congressman George Santos, whose brief political career was plagued by scandal and deceit, pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The guilty plea is a significant moment in the saga of the disgraced New York Republican, who was expelled from the House of Representatives last December after less than a year in office.Santos, 36, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, where he admitted to defrauding campaign donors and using their credit card information without authorization to fund his personal expenses. The plea agreement comes as Santos faced a 23-count superseding indictment that included charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. […]
Broadway in Bryant Park Takes Its Final Bow for the 2024 Season
NEW YORK CITY, NY - The much-anticipated Broadway in Bryant Park series finished its 2024 season on August 1 with amazing performances. Organized by 106.7 LITE FM and iHeartRadio Broadway, this free lunchtime concert series is a summer favorite in New York City, letting people enjoy Broadway's best shows in the open air. The final event of this year's series had a variety of shows, showing the lively spirit of Broadway. The last performances included parts of famous musicals like "Wicked," "& Juliet," "SIX The Musical," and the new hit "The Outsiders." These shows took place from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and attracted big crowds to Bryant Park, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. Large crowds gathered in Bryant Park despite the hot weather This season's series began on July 11 and featured different Broadway hits each Thursday, ending […]
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Make a Grand Return After 10 Years
NEW YORK CITY, NY - The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show lit up the skies over New York City. Known as the biggest Independence Day celebration in the country, it attracted millions of people both in-person and through live broadcasts. This year's fireworks were launched from several barges on the Hudson River for the first time in 10 years. The main launch area was from West 14th Street to West 34th Street in Manhattan. This setup allowed great views from different parts of New York City, and parts of New Jersey. I watched the fireworks from Hudson Yards, near The Vessel. Although The Vessel has been closed for a couple of years, the general area around it provided a fantastic spot with a nice view of the water and fireworks. For guests who purchased tickets in advance, there were […]
2024 NYC Pride Parade Celebrates 40 Years
NEW YORK CITY, NY - On June 30th, 2024, New York City celebrated its 40th annual Pride Parade with a colorful and joyful event. The parade started at 12:00 PM at the corner of 25th Street and 5th Avenue. It moved through the heart of Manhattan, with a sea of rainbow flags and excited people. Millions of people lined the streets to join the fun, showing the strong spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Seven special grand marshals led the 2024 NYC Pride Parade: Baddie Brooks, DaShawn Usher, Eshe Ukwell, Michelle Visage, Miss Major, Robin Drake, and Raquel Willis. Each of them has done a lot to support equality and representation, showing the diverse voices and stories within the LGBTQ+ community. The theme of this year’s parade was “Reflect.” It encouraged everyone to think about the progress made since the first […]
Once Upon a Time in New York – Into the Woods Reimagined
Fairy tales meet the Big Apple in this modern musical rendition of Into the Woods. Written in collaboration with Stephen Cooney
New Evidence Turned Over in Rex Heuermann’s Gilgo Beach Trial. Former Police Chief’s Role Questioned.
Daniel Garcia reports from Gilgo suspect Rex Heuermann's Wednesday court appearance in Riverhead, NY.
Related
Broadway in Bryant Park Takes Its Final Bow for the 2024 Season
NEW YORK CITY, NY - The much-anticipated Broadway in Bryant Park series finished its 2024 season on August 1 with amazing performances. Organized by 106.7 LITE FM and iHeartRadio Broadway, this free lunchtime concert series is a summer favorite in New York City, letting people enjoy Broadway's best shows in the open air. The final event of this year's series had a variety of shows, showing the lively spirit of Broadway. The last performances included parts of famous musicals like "Wicked," "& Juliet," "SIX The Musical," and the new hit "The Outsiders." These shows took place from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and attracted big crowds to Bryant Park, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. Large crowds gathered in Bryant Park despite the hot weather This season's series began on July 11 and featured different Broadway hits each Thursday, ending […]
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Make a Grand Return After 10 Years
NEW YORK CITY, NY - The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show lit up the skies over New York City. Known as the biggest Independence Day celebration in the country, it attracted millions of people both in-person and through live broadcasts. This year's fireworks were launched from several barges on the Hudson River for the first time in 10 years. The main launch area was from West 14th Street to West 34th Street in Manhattan. This setup allowed great views from different parts of New York City, and parts of New Jersey. I watched the fireworks from Hudson Yards, near The Vessel. Although The Vessel has been closed for a couple of years, the general area around it provided a fantastic spot with a nice view of the water and fireworks. For guests who purchased tickets in advance, there were […]
2024 NYC Pride Parade Celebrates 40 Years
NEW YORK CITY, NY - On June 30th, 2024, New York City celebrated its 40th annual Pride Parade with a colorful and joyful event. The parade started at 12:00 PM at the corner of 25th Street and 5th Avenue. It moved through the heart of Manhattan, with a sea of rainbow flags and excited people. Millions of people lined the streets to join the fun, showing the strong spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Seven special grand marshals led the 2024 NYC Pride Parade: Baddie Brooks, DaShawn Usher, Eshe Ukwell, Michelle Visage, Miss Major, Robin Drake, and Raquel Willis. Each of them has done a lot to support equality and representation, showing the diverse voices and stories within the LGBTQ+ community. The theme of this year’s parade was “Reflect.” It encouraged everyone to think about the progress made since the first […]
Innovative Designs and Timeless Classics Steal the Spotlight at 2024 New York International Auto Show
A custom NYIAS art display was up for viewing near the luxury cars display NEW YORK CITY, NY – The New York International Auto Show, held from March 29 to April 7, 2024, at the Jacob Javits Center, was a major event in the world of automotive excellence. Known as the oldest and largest auto show in North America, it featured exciting new vehicle debuts and celebrated significant milestones in automotive history. Three vehicles stood out as personal favorites: the Genesis Magma, the 1949 Volkswagen Beetle – Type 1, and the Mustang GTD. Genesis Magma: A Glimpse into the Future The Genesis Magma concept car grabbed a lot of attention. Its futuristic design and cutting-edge features reflect the innovative approach Genesis is known for. The Magma’s bold lines and advanced technology fascinated many visitors. The Genesis Magma Concept Car on […]
Hollywood’s Biggest Names Demand Fair Contracts at SAG-AFTRA Rally in Times Square
NEW YORK CITY, NY - On July 25, 2023, Times Square was buzzing with energy as thousands of actors and writers rallied together for SAG-AFTRA’s “Rock the City for a Fair Contract.” The event kicked off at 9:30 a.m. in the Times Square Pedestrian Plaza. Supporters gathered in large numbers, determined to demand better working conditions and fair pay. Celebrities Lead the Charge The rally featured many famous faces. Actors like Bryan Cranston, Jessica Chastain, Steve Buscemi, and Christian Slater took the stage to deliver powerful speeches. Cranston didn’t hold back as he directly addressed Disney CEO Bob Iger. He criticized the industry’s treatment of its talent. These celebrities made it clear that they stand firmly with their fellow actors and writers in the fight for fair labor practices. Union Leaders Speak Out Union leaders also played key roles during […]
2023 Great South Bay Music Festival- Day 3 Recap
Daniel Garcia is in Patchogue's Shorefront Park for Day 3 of the 2023 Great South Bay Music Festival hosted on Long Island.
