Three communication students win Telly Awards for PSAs

Three students from Augusta University’s academic department of communication have won Telly Awards for best social media video in the student category.

Chris Woods, Faydia Ramnarine and Makaiyla Reed won Telly Awards for their anti-smoking PSAs, which were produced in conjunction with the Georgia Cancer Center. Woods, a senior, won gold, and Ramnarine, who graduated in May, and Reed, a junior, each won silver.

“I am super proud of all three,” said communication adjunct instructor Arthur Takahashi, who taught the students in the audiovisual media production course at AU. “If you take a look at the professional categories, you will see some big names that compete for this award, so this is a big deal.”

The New York-based Tellys are awards for television and video, and winners come from major networks and Hollywood. The Tellys began in 1979 to honor commercials in broadcast and cable television, but now also includes digital format. More than 12,000 entries were made this year from all 50 states and five continents.

The PSAs by Woods and Reed were aired by WRDW on its MY12, CW and the Circle networks throughout May.