20 Huskers to compete in 2024 Perry Photojournalism Challenge

With three scholarships on the line, 20 students in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications will compete in the Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge, Feb. 23-24 and March 2.

Scholarships on the line, all for the 2024-25 academic year, are $7,000 for first place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third.

Beginning at noon Feb. 23, participants will have 24 hours to shoot and edit a photojournalism essay inspired by the theme “402 Through the Lens.” At 10 a.m. March 2, a team of five professional photographers will begin reviewing essays. Five finalists will be announced at 2 p.m. The finalists will then have three hours to prepare for final presentations at 5 p.m. in Andersen Hall, Room 15.

Judges for the 2024 Perry Photojournalism Challenge 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.

Judges will evaluate each essay based on subject matter, impact, creativity, composition, technical quality and storytelling.

The Perry Photojournalism Challenge, established in 2019, offers aspiring undergraduate students in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications the opportunity to showcase their storytelling prowess through captivating photo essays. The challenge is supported by Husker alumnus and friend of the college Philip Perry.

“We are grateful for Phil Perry’s continued support of the Perry Photojournalism Challenge,” said Shari Veil, 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.”

Following is a list of this year’s participants, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their year in school and academic major(s).

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, and 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 in the U.S.

• 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

Learn more about the Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge.