With three scholarships on the line, 20 students in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications competed in the Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge from Feb. 23-24.
The first-place winner will receive a $7,000 scholarship, second place will receive $2,000 and the third place will receive $1,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Beginning at 1 p.m. on Feb. 23, participants had 24 hours to shoot and edit a photojournalism essay inspired by the theme “402 Through the Lens.” At 10 a.m. on March 2, a team of five professional photographers will begin reviewing essays and select five finalists, who will be announced at 2 p.m. The finalists will have three hours to prepare for their final presentations at 5 p.m. in Room 15 in Andersen Hall on UNL’s city campus.
The 2024 Perry Photojournalism Challenge judges are:
- Mike Davis, visual storytelling consultant, editor, educator and author, Minneapolis
- Frank Franklin II, staff photographer, The Associated Press, New York
- Victoria Petersen, freelance wedding and lifestyle photographer, Lincoln
- Allen Schaben, staff photographer, Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles
- Alyssa Schukar, freelance photojournalist, Washington, D.C.
When determining the winners, the judges will evaluate each essay based on subject matter, impact, creativity, composition, technical quality and storytelling.
The Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge, established in 2019, offers aspiring undergraduate students at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications the opportunity to showcase their storytelling prowess through captivating photo essays. This challenge is generously supported by UNL alum and friend of the college Philip Perry.
“We are grateful for Phil Perry’s continued support of the Perry Photojournalism Challenge,” said Shari Veil, the Jane T. Olson Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “We’re eager to see the remarkable stories our Huskers will capture. Their talent, combined with Phil’s generosity, promises an inspiring showcase of storytelling excellence.”
The following is a list of this year’s participants with their year in school, academic major(s) and hometown.
Nebraska
- Doniphan: Camdyn Beirow, sophomore, sports media and communication
- Grand Island: Abigail Trausch, freshman, advertising and public relations
- Kearney: Elizabeth Young, senior, advertising and public relations and broadcasting
- Lincoln: Joel Bierbower, junior, broadcasting; Alexa Brown, sophomore, advertising and public relations; Leah Bryan, junior, journalism; Emma DeShon, freshman, broadcasting, sports media and communication; Yoselin Ortiz, sophomore, advertising and public relations; Emily Robinson, junior, advertising and public relations and sports media and communication; Chris Sullivan-Diaz, sophomore, broadcasting and sports media and communication; Nhi Truong, sophomore, advertising and public relations; Mitchell West, sophomore, advertising and public relations
- Omaha: Naomi Delkamiller, senior, advertising and public relations and journalism; Lydia Hernandez, junior, advertising and public relations, broadcasting and sports media and communication; Jamie Reiff, junior, journalism
- Wood River: Roxana Rodriguez, junior, advertising and public relations
Elsewhere
- Rancho Murieta, California: Olivia Reed, junior, broadcasting
- Council Bluffs, Iowa: Jazlynn Sanders, junior, advertising and public relations and sports media and communication
- Des Moines, Iowa: Marissa Lindemann, senior, broadcasting
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Alexis Brady, junior, advertising and public relations
To learn more about the Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge, visit https://journalism.unl.edu/perry-photo-challenge.
