Sign-up for 
2007 Barbara Jordan Media Award Winners
Award Winners
-
Television - Documentary:
"The Intrepid - Texas Lifeline"
Greg Groogan, Mark Muller -
Television - Entertainment:
"Playing it by Ear"
Ryan Britt, Dan Stricklin, Bob Phillips - Phillips Productions -
Television - News :
"Driving Mr. Herrin"
Gary Reaves, Arnold Payne, Greg Johnson -
Print Article:
"Living Without Regret"
David Barron -
Photojournalism :
"Living Without Regret"
Mayra Beltran -
Special Contribution - Individual:
"Every Town Needs a Trail"
Jen Ohlson - Special Contribution - Group:
TSD Presents, "Decked for the Holidays"
Texas School for the Deaf
Details About 2007's Winners
Television - Documentary: “The Intrepid - Texas Lifeline”
"The Intrepid - Texas Lifeline", which aired on KRIV-TV, portrayed injured soldiers returning from combat in the process of healing physically and emotionally at Brook Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Some of the men and women were burned and some are amputees. But all expressed pride and satisfaction in the many accomplishments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and were able to use humor and military training to facilitate recovery.
We were introduced to many soldiers, but the judges especially admired Cpl. Aaron Mankin who received third degree burns from an IED explosion. He had undergone several surgeries for skin grafts, and expected to have several more. And while his injuries were severe and painful, he expressed his appreciation for life, ‘…it changes your aspirations and dreams for the future. You have to take back your dreams and re-dream them’.
The judges appreciated the compelling and powerful visual imagery in this documentary, and the impact and authenticity of its message. And while the realities of war were sometimes difficult to witness; the soldiers, doctors, staff and families demonstrated a strength of character that was engaging and hopeful.
Award Winners: Greg Groogan, Mark Muller
KRIV-TV Houston
Nominator: Greg Groogan, KRIV-TV, 713-479-2964, groogan@fox26.com, Mark Muller, news2mark@aol.com
Television - Entertainment: "Playing it by Ear"
"Playing it by Ear", a segment on Texas Country Reporter, tells the story of Gladie Cruz and Mel Piñeda of Weslaco who lead a group of birders who are blind. The judges especially liked the positive language used. Birding is a favorite pastime of many in South Texas, and this piece demonstrated how bird watching can be enjoyed by people with disabilities. Even sighted birders say that eighty percent of birding is listening, so who says you have to see it?
This group of birders included people of various ages who independently navigated through the woods, by water and over bridges, while being instructed in English and Spanish.
Award Winners: Ryan Britt, Dan Stricklin, Bob Phillips - Phillips Productions
Nominator: Ryan Britt, Phillips Productions, 214-741-1300, ryan@phillipsproductions.com
Television - News: “Driving Mr. Herrin”
The judges appreciated the honest, realistic approach found in this touching submission. “Driving Mr. Herrin” is the story of Richard Herrin who was born with cerebral palsy. Mr. Herrin uses his wheelchair and his service dog, Troy Aikman, to “drive” his son to school everyday. Using assistive technology and the internet, Richard is able to function effectively at home, at work and in the community.
Although the teachers at his son’s school are impressed by his effort, Richard feels he isn’t a hero. He just wants to take his son to school like everyone else. Richard’s simple goal is to teach his son to be a man. The judges felt that this entry demonstrated the TV station’s commitment to the story and enjoyed the quality camera work.
Award Winners: Gary Reaves, Arnold Payne, Greg Johnson
WFAA-TV Dallas
Nominator: Gary Reaves, WFAA-TV, 214-748-9631, greaves@wfaa.com
Print Article: Living Without Regret
This article appeared in the Houston Chronicle’s “12 Acts of Kindness” series. It tells the story of Oziel Flores, who uses a wheelchair after a childhood accident. Oziel uses his disability to motivate children in wheelchairs by teaching them to play basketball in a parks and recreation program. The experience of being on a team and the coach’s empathy enhance the players’ self confidence and promotes academic success. Although Oziel does not receive a salary for his efforts, he continues to do it because of the love and compassion he has for people around him.
The judges agreed that this article gave a realistic portrayal of Oziel’s life experiences, and demonstrated an awareness of the need for independence and high expectations for youth with disabilities.
Award Winner: David Barron
Houston Chronicle
713-220-7171
david.barron@chron.com
Nominator: Lillian Villarreal, 713-989-2021, lillian.villarreal@sug.com
Photojournalism: Living Without Regret
The judges agreed that these photographs were significant enough to stand on their own. The photographs tell a story that is easy to understand and follow. The imagery is of a man who uses a wheelchair teaching children who are also in wheelchairs the game of basketball. It is easy to see the intensity in the first photograph as he pulls a child in close, wheel to wheel, to communicate with him at eye level. And the second photograph conveys the camaraderie found on any sports team.
Award Winner: Mayra Beltran
Houston Chronicle
713-220-7171
mayra.beltran@chron.com
Nominator: Lillian Villarreal, 713-989-2021, lillian.villarreal@sug.com
Special Contribution - Individual: Every Town Needs a Trail
Author Jen Ohlson offers a unique view of the Lady Bird Lake Trail. This 160 page coffee table book, with its stunning photography and historical background, showcases the lives of dignitaries, celebrities and everyday citizens.
Every Town Needs a Trail features stories of individual and community well-being intertwined with the Trail. We meet people like Bassett and Marge Maguire, who try to walk the trail everyday for exercise. Although Marge’s Alzheimer’s is progressing, Bassett still shares memories for both of them. And we’re introduced to Professor Alison Kafer who uses a wheelchair and finds that the "…Trail’s accessibility and wide, smooth paths are a perfect fit”. The judges liked Alison’s outlook, “My life in most ways is not different than theirs, they hit the Trail in the morning and I hit the Trail in the morning."
The judges appreciated the positive language and quality first person stories, and found the book to be an introspective, inclusive look at humanity and community.
Award Winner: Jen Ohlson, Austin
Additional Contributors: Steve Willgren, Russ Ohlson and Brenda Lindfors
Nominator: Jen Ohlson, 512-848-8044, jenohlson@msn.com
Special Contribution - Group: TSD Presents, “Decked for the Holidays”
This submission developed by the students of The Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) featured striking multimedia artwork celebrating the holidays. The student’s artwork was displayed in the windows and lobby of the historic Scarborough Building in downtown Austin throughout December 2007. The display included four large eight foot multimedia posters and holiday inspired video compilations.
The judges were impressed by the collaboration of children of all ages, K-12, demonstrating incredible, career-level talent, and frankly, just making great art. The casual person would be drawn to this display, and at the same time, want to know more about TSD and how to support the organization. This motivational effort promoted a positive message while exposing the community to the history of the school and the art of American Sign Language.
Award Winner: Texas School for the Deaf, Austin
Nominator: Keena Miller, Texas School for the Deaf, 512-462-5328, keena.miller@tsd.state.tx.us