Plymouth South Panther TV wins All New England Award

For the second year in a row (in only its two-year old program) Panther TV last week was given the “All New England Award” for being the Best High School Broadcast News Program in New England by the New England Scholastic Press Association at an awards ceremony at Boston University. Panther TV also won five of seven individual awards given in the broadcasting area of the competition. 

“It’s truly an amazing accomplishment for these students,” Erik Walker, an English and Journalism teacher and co-teacher of Panther-TV, said.

Walker’s crew of 14 students produce the school’s 25-minute news broadcast, which airs in the school, online, and on local television channels. 

Plymouth South Principal Patricia Fry said she was proud of the journalism students' professionalism.

“The professionalism of the Panther-TV program, due to the hard work of the staff and students, is remarkable. Their energy, work ethic, and attention to detail are a few of the reasons they are a two-time New England champion! Great job to all,” Fry said. 

Walker noted it’s more than about awards.

“I’m even more proud of all the hard work they’ve put in to creating a wonderful broadcast. They’ve not just covered typical stories, but serious stories about school life and community life,” Walker said. 

Some of the serious stories Panther TV has covered this year include the impact of autism on families, a history of Cordage Park, a story on how serious allergies impact students in a school-setting, immigration, and self-esteem awareness. 

“Seeing the program evolve over the past year has been an incredible experience,” Daniel Sherrill,” graphics arts teacher and co-teacher of Panther TV, said. “The students outdid themselves with each new episode. I am extremely proud to be a part of such an outstanding program."

“It’s extraordinary ato have won best in New England two years in a row. I’m proud of everyone on our news team,” Walter Cicchetti, a senior and the show’s producer, said. 

In addition to winning the All New England award for the second straight year, Panther TV also won five of the seven individual broadcast journalism awards given by the New England Scholastic Press Association. 

• Senior Nikki Bevans won an award for outstanding news coverage for her report on freshmen outdoor education and teambuilding.   
• Seniors Samantha Fanning, Olivia Savage, and Junior Ann DeLoid won an award for outstanding news coverage for an on-location news story they did at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty that discussed the history of Immigration and how it still impacts America today. 
• Senior Walter Cicchetti won an award for outstanding feature story for his coverage of Thanksgiving in America’s hometown. 
• Walter Cicchetti  also won an award with Haley Wentworth and Dominique DeCola for their public service story “Save your Deer Life.” 
• Amber Tanderes and Jenn Weatherhead won an award for outstanding public service campaign for an anti-bullying PSA entitled “Be a Hero.”

Earlier in the year, Maxx Luddy and Annie DeLoid won a New England Emmy for Outstanding Sports Coverage.   

Panther TV also won two honorable mention Emmy Awards for Public Service Reporting and Public Service Advertisments.