The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications hosted 21 high school students from Nebraska and Illinois for the second annual UNL Media Academy June 12-15.

Trina Creighton, professor of broadcasting, and Kelli Britten, advertising and public relations lecturer, led the students in sessions on journalism, broadcasting, and advertising and public relations.

The academy aimed to provide the students with opportunities and experiences that would give them a sense of what it’s like to have a career in media.

“The students really enjoyed their experience at the college and on campus,” Britten said. “We had a packed schedule to expose them to all three of our majors and businesses across Lincoln that hire students with the skills they learn at the CoJMC. If these students are any indication, the future is bright for the next generation of media professionals.”

The students toured the Husker Athletic Department, State Capitol and local advertising agencies. They also had the opportunity to observe a KLKN newscast from inside the studio.

The students completed photojournalism projects, wrote blog posts, anchored broadcasts and honed their social media skills as part of the learning sessions. To see the students’ work, click here.

Attendees stayed on campus in Neihardt Hall along with their team leaders, six College of Journalism and Mass Communications students and recent graduates who served as mentors. They also participated in a scavenger hunt around campus and downtown Lincoln and did team-building activities.

“It was such a great time to be able to share my passion for media with these students who were eager to learn more about the industry and the college itself,” said Hayley Archer, team leader. “Even in just a few days, we got to see them grow as aspiring journalists, which was really cool.”

Archer was joined by team leaders Joey Hoile, Nathan Hittle, Selena Aguilar, Mecca Slaughter and Maddi Essay.

The following is a list of high school students who attended the 2016 UNL Media Academy, listed by hometown. The high school name is included in parentheses when different from the hometown.

NEBRASKA:

• Bennington: Dylan Renter.

• Columbus: Emerson Belitz (Scotus Central Catholic).

• Elgin: Jaime Hoefer.

• Friend: Shileigh Oceguera.

• Kearney: Geoff Exstrom.

• La Vista: Brittany Kellner (Papillion-La Vista).

• Lincoln: Jaedyn Payne (Lincoln Southwest).

• Ogallala: Elizabeth Schilz.

• Omaha: Rajhae Anderson (Omaha Northwest), Miracle Clayton-Deavers (Omaha Northwest), Maria Dondiego (Omaha South), Allison Heithoff (Skutt Catholic), John Lighthart (Creighton Prep), William Lighthart (Creighton Prep), Alexis Novacek (Millard West), Hannah Pflug (Duchesne Academy), Hydia Reeves (Omaha Marian), Jaden Wade (Omaha South).

• Waterloo: Lily Yates (Skutt Catholic).

• Waverly: Aelyn Thompson.

ELSEWHERE:

• Schaumburg, Illinois: Alene Robak (James B. Conant).