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Gage Wellman, a junior in ����ֱ�� State University’s journalism program, was in San Francisco from May 31-June 5, competing among the nation’s best college journalists in the 66th Hearst National Journalism Championships. Wellman, who hails from Parma, Ohio, earned a $1,500 finalist award in the Writing category at the national competition.

����ֱ�� State Today spoke to Wellman just before leaving for the competition. 

Considered the “Pulitzers of College Journalism,” the Hearst competition brought together 29 leading student journalists from across the U.S. to complete a series of spot assignments under deadline conditions. Wellman said the assignment this year was to explore how, and if, San Francisco as a community has rebounded from the pandemic.  

“I had a great time,” Wellman said. “Overall, the assignment was a challenge, and I’m going to try very hard to be a return competitor this upcoming year.”

Competition categories included writing, photojournalism, audio, television, multimedia and podcasting. The student journalists’ work was evaluated by leading media professionals serving as program judges, who selected the national champions and top finishers in each competition category.

The weeklong experience was also a chance for student journalists to network and get to know others in their chosen field, which Wellman said he enjoyed.

“Yesterday was the best day, one of the best days I've ever had,” he said. “Before the results were announced, the other writers and I hung out all day long. We went to the Golden Gate Bridge, to Fisherman's Wharf, to Oracle Park, and the weather was great. The other writers were such kind, amazing and talented people. I have truly made friends for life in them.”