Well, folks, I am going on hiatus. But just like your favorite television show, I’ll be back soon with new episodes.
I won't bore you by playing a bunch of repeats until then, unless you want to peruse the archives here. If you miss me that much, please give me a call or send me a line and let me know what you're up to!
And now, I bring you this special season finale…
First up, I’d like to congratulate Specs Howard’s very own Kelia Karson (pictured left). In addition to being a full-time instructor here at the school, Kelia’s own career in radio has been heating up so much that City Talk Magazine featured her in a recent “Who’s Hot” column.
Kelia is currently an on-air talent at Radio One-Detroit's 105.9 KISS FM and hosts her own syndicated show called Kickin’ it wit’ Kelia Karson, a Kickin’ it Kountdown, which she is working on getting in every market in America. She is also voice tracking a show for WDKX in New York, just finished recording an audio book written by Annetta Powell (another successful African American entrepreneur), and does voice work for companies all over the country including actor/director/playwright Tyler Perry.
She does all this and more. When does she sleep? My congratulations to Kelia for the much-deserved recognition!
"GET ME OUTTA HERE!"
Grad Zach Dufresne, an assistant editor over at Griot Editorial, is also generating his share of attention lately after his 60-second PSA, Get Out, won the fourth annual Filmspotting competition sponsored by the Detroit chapter of the Association of Independent Creative (AICE).
The Detroit competition, open to all assistant editors employed by AICE member companies, challenged participants to create a 60-second PSA using footage from feature films released between 1970 and 1980 without the use of a voice-over.
Get Out urges viewers to bring American troops home from Iraq through a series of 16 clips from movies such as Star Wars, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and Young Frankenstein. The end result is a pretty powerful message.
I'd also like to mention that the runner up in this year’s competition is also a grad. Marjorie Sacks, an assistant editor at Milagro, placed a close second with her PSA, Ugly.
Both spots are worth taking a trip to the following link to see: You can check them out for yourself here.
The picture of Marjorie and Zach (above right) is courtesy of Michigan Vue and was taken at the screening party this past November.
MAB FOUNDATION COLLEGE BROADCAST AWARD WINNERS
In radio...
Matthew Bailey: Honorable Mention, PSA
In television...
Stacey Szostek and Jena Major: 2nd Place, News Feature/Magazine Program
Urian Harmon: 1st place, PSA
Mindy Parius, Dan Earle & Jamie Marks: Honorable Mention, PSA
GNOME GNOTES & RANDOM GOSSIP
Specs grad Charlie Langton had the time of his life anchoring the recent primary coverage at MYFOX.com from 6:00 to 10:00pm as the returns became available. Charlie is a lawyer who does regular commentaries on legal issues (he also covered the recent Grant trial) for Fox2 News, serves in the same capacity for WWJ radio and runs his own law firm. Again, when does he sleep?
Rob St. Mary will soon be joining several other grads at Detroit Public Radio, WDET-FM. Rob has been at WOOD Radio in Grand Rapids for several years, the past two as News Director. Welcome back to the Motor City, Rob.
Kirk Montgomery of KUSA-TV-9 News in Denver has inked a new multi-year contract with the station. Kirk has won several EMMYs, numerous AP Awards and countless "Best of ____" awards. Nothing like a multi-year contract to convince you that you're loved and valued! My sincere congratulations to you, Kirk!
Mark Lane was named Director of Public Relations & Special Events for Goodwill Industries. Mark brings years of experience in several different areas of the business including PR positions in the Detroit area.
Heard from Bob Mounts, a 1991 grad who's now the program director at WOBR 95.3-The Rock in Nags Head - in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He's looking for a mid-day personality for this classic rock station. Anybody interested? Call me!
Melissa (Hunt) Sampey checked in to let us know she's now a market communications consultant for the Henry Ford Health System.
Andrea Campbell (RTV-08-04) dropped us an e-mail to let us know that she's the production coordinator for shows & presentations at BBDO Advertising and included the following message:
“You guys were always so helpful and caring about my career goals and dreams. Specs allowed me to grow and helped me find a direction where I want to go.”
Well, Andrea, that's why all of us at Specs Howard School show up every day, and the pay-off is watching folks like you succeed. Thanks for checking in!
Remember, now, just because my blog is on hiatus, I'm not actually on vacation -- yet. So send me your fan mail and show suggestions. Unlike many other would-be celebs, this long-haired leaping gnome really does try and answer every single one!
'Til next time... uk
