Graphics students win ADDY awards

Graphic Contributed

The design above is one that was submitted by winner Jerry Lambert

By Ashley Emert

Proving yet again that the size of the school doesn’t matter, Flagler students presented along side industry professionals and received top recognition at the annual student ADDY Awards in Jacksonville last month. The awards honor those whose work shows excellent skill. This was the first year for students from the art department to compete in the recently established student ADDY Awards, which is held by the American Advertising Foundation.

Alumna Bethany Bauman and students Jackie Hruby, Jerry Lambert, Will Pinholster and Neely Qualls collectively won seven Gold ADDY Awards. Their entries included poster designs, newspaper advertising, stationery designs and direct marketing. All of the submissions displayed different aspects of advertising.

The entries were showcased at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens for two weeks after they had been judged. This exposure is something that will help when going out into the job world. “Even if they didn’t win, and still put on their resumes that they entered the competition, that’s like time in the box,” said Chris Smith, the chair of the Art Department.

After winning gold in the regional competition, students’ work will go through the rest of the upper levels, all the way to the national level. It’s not just about the award itself, though. Students can make contacts with professionals in the field of their choice at this event.

Although students’ entries are not judged as harshly as the professionals’ work, it is still a huge accomplishment to be awarded. “It’s sort of like the Grammys for advertising,” said Smith. “They only give awards to those who deserve them.”

Beating the odds and winning in such a respected and large organization, Flagler students proved their capabilities with their winning entries. This should be the first successful year of many. “We hope to make this a yearly tradition,” said Smith.