2006 Barbara Jordan Media Award Winners

Award Winners

• TV News Feature:
  "Fully Armed"
  Erin Hawksworth, Arnold Payne, Sean Hamilton
• TV Entertainment:
  "Blind Ambition"
  Phillips Productions
• Photojournalism :
  "A Sign of Belonging" - 150th Anniversary of Texas School for the Deaf
  Kelly West
• TV Documentary :
  "Champions on Wheels"
  Grace Shafir
• Print Article:
  "Joe's Victory"
  Brad Buchholz
• Print Magazine :
  "Diagnosing Mental Illness"
  Erin Prather Stafford
• Special Contribution - Individual:
  "Bramblitt"
  Mika Ferris

Details About 2006's Winners

TV News Feature - "Fully Armed"

"Fully Armed" showcases the leadership and humor of 14 year-old hockey player Kevin Qualls. Reporter Erin Hawksworth joins Kevin and his teammates to learn just how spectacular Kevin is as an athlete. Not only is he the fastest skater on the ice and team captain, but Kevin acts as a sort of good luck charm for the team.

An engaging and humorous piece, "Fully Armed" focuses on Kevin's natural abilities as an athlete. Judges also liked that it appeals to a wide audience.

Award Winners: Erin Hawksworth, Arnold Payne, Sean Hamilton
WFAA-TV Dallas

Nominator: Sean Hamilton, WFAA-TV, 214-977-6280, shamilton@wfaa.com

TV Entertainment - "Blind Ambition"

Entertaining and powerful, "Blind Ambition," takes a glimpse into the life of John Bramblitt, an artist who lost his sight four years ago. The piece follows John's journey as he uses painting to work through his emotions. The University of North Texas student and aspiring writer says he has discovered his own way of telling stories, and has in turn discovered himself.

The judges found the show to be strikingly expressive and beautifully delivered. They also noted that it is especially effective when John tells the story himself.

Award Winner: Phillips Productions, Irving

Nominator: Ryan Britt, Phillips Productions, 214-741-1300, ryan@phillipsproductions.com

Photojournalism - "A Sign of Belonging - 150th Anniversary of Texas School for the Deaf"

Color and authenticity caught the attention of the judges in Kelly West's collection of photographs appearing in the Austin American-Statesman. The photos are dynamic, showing a wide variety of activities at the school - prom, athletics and graduation. The photos also depict fun and communication among the students in many settings.

The collection consists of one black-and-white photograph and three color photographs, one of which made the front page of the newspaper.

Award Winner: Kelly West
Austin American-Statesman
512-445-3685
kwest@statesman.com

Nominator: Zach Ryall, 512-445-3685, zryall@statesman.com

TV Documentary - "Champions on Wheels"

Judges enjoyed Grace Shafir's fast-paced piece about members of the U.S. Paralympic tennis team because of its in-depth look into the athletes' lives. Each athlete has a unique story and motivation, but the common ground comes in playing tennis. "Champions on Wheels" focuses on the Paralympians' jobs, families, and world travels, all while striving to become some of the world's best tennis players.

The judges appreciated its focus on the athletes' dedication to tennis and relationships with family and friends.

Award Winner: Grace Shafir, Boca Raton, Florida
Dreamin' Productions
561-883-9918
gshafir@aol.com

Print Article - "Joe's Victory"

In "Joe's Victory," writer Brad Buchholz tells the heartwarming story of basketball enthusiast, Joe Nayigiziki. As manager for the basketball team at St. Stephens, Joe experiences his dreams becoming a reality when he steps onto the court for the first time in the final minutes of the team's game against St. Andrews. The story not only highlights Joe's accomplishments in those few minutes, but it illustrates his schoolmates' deep love and respect for the team manager.

The judges appreciated how Buchholz brought the story to life and made them feel like part of the action. Buchholz's vivid description of Joe and his relationships made the judges cheer and cry.

Award Winner: Brad Buchholz
Austin American-Statesman
512-912-2967
bbuchholz@statesman.com

Nominator: Drew Marcks, 512-445-3661, dmarcks@statesman.com

Print Magazine - "Diagnosing Mental Illness"

This article found in Texas Medicine magazine confronts a critical issue among today's health practitioners in an upfront and resourceful manner. Writer Erin Prather calls attention to the shortage of psychiatrists in Texas drawing from the experience of physicians who have patients with mental health problems and presenting statistical evidence. Not only does the article reveal the gap in mental health treatment, but it offers a solution that is preventative, rather than responsive.

Judges noted that the information is educational, even for professionals. It provides proactive answers that are relatable to the public as well as practitioners.

Award Winner: Erin Prather Stafford, Dallas
Texas Medicine Magazine, Texas Medical Association
512-740-4563
erinprather@hotmail.com

Special Contribution - Individual - "Bramblitt"

Judges enjoyed learning about the process that John Bramblitt uses to make his art and how he has adapted that process over time in "Bramblitt," produced by Mika Ferris. John details how he uses textures to decipher colors and keep his place on the canvas when creating his pieces. By learning to become oriented in his paintings, John has learned to orient himself physically as well, which he says helps him travel better and function more independently.

Judges liked the professionalism of the piece and enjoyed that the documentary was told in John's own words. It has also been shown at numerous film festivals.

Award Winner: Mika Ferris, Denton
504-723-3756
mpbf1@aol.com

For more information, contact:
Pat Pound
Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
512-463-5740
Dial 711 for Relay Services
ppound@governor.state.tx.us
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/disabilities