Every year in October, Syracuse University holds awards for students in journalism classes for different categories such as Best Photograph, Best Graphic/Illustration, Service to School, Best Overall Layout, etc. SU holds a conference where students go to three lectures on different journalism or media topics that they may be interested in, and awards are held at the end.

This year, on October 14th, students from Chittenango High School went on a field trip to the University to attend these lectures. At the end of the showcases, the directors announced the winners of the gold awards. Chittenango High School won two gold ESSPA  Awards for Best TV Show and Best Sports Coverage for the “Christopher Dines: Heart of a Giant” story.

For Best TV Show, the Broadcast Media class submitted their Christmas episode from 2024, starring graduates Katie MacAlpine and Gavin Wilson. The bit was loosely based on a Hallmark Christmas movie, and was a comedic favorite for our students. Best Sports Coverage was won by the “Christopher Dines: Heart of a Giant” story, written by McKenzie LaCotta and Kamron Reynolds. Christopher Dines was a football player who became injured on the field, seemingly ruining his season and possibly future career. Instead of giving up, he rewrote the odds and played again.

Though these students who won these awards aren’t in the school anymore, it is still a great achievement for Chittenango High School. Our Broadcast Media Crew will continue to work hard on productions in hope of receiving more awards in the future.