|
Four students from the public relations track of the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications have earned first-place honors in the national Public Relations Student Society of America's Bateman Competition.
It was the third time in five years a USC team has finished the competition in first place.
Two other teams from USC also distinguished themselves in this year's competition, one earning an honorable mention and the other a shot at an additional first-place title in June.
Titled "Can Do Carolina," the winning team's campaign involved creating and implementing a dynamic aluminum can recycling program on and around the University of South Carolina. Proceeds from the drive benefited Habitat for Humanity, the interdenominational service organization that builds houses for the needy.
Driven by research indicating college students are exceptional consumers of aluminum cans, The Can Do Carolina Group's winning campaign resulted in Habitat for Humanity netting more than $400 in proceeds and a redemption rate of 70 cents per pound (approximately 34 cans per pound), as well as creating a model that could be implemented on other campuses across the country.
The Can Do team consisted of Ashley Moore, Anna Fox, Melissa Hensley, and Betsy Heckert.
"Being on the Bateman Team was a challenging and rewarding experience that gave us excellent experience," said team captain Moore. "Plus, it was cool to win for the school."
The second team, The Merlin Group, will compete against four other schools June 1-4 in Knoxville, Tenn., for a shot at their national title.
To get to the finals, the Merlin Group chose to help the local Habitat for Humanity store on Sumter Street. Their events targeted college students and young adults, encouraging them to shop at the store and consider either buying or donating materials from the store because the proceeds helped raise money for the charity.
Specific Merlin Group events included a virtual yard sale, and a dorm room makeover. Members of the Merlin Group are Jean Triskett, Jennifer Davidson, Alisha Cooper, and Katherine Salters.
"The contest was a blast and our contact, Larry Forsyth, said the event doubled the sales at the Habitat Store," said Merlin member Kat Salters. "We loved that. Plus our dorm room makeover recipient was really excited and grateful. It was really nice to do something for someone else."
The third group to compete in the Bateman was the PRemiere Group. One of eight honorable mention winners, the PRemiere Group's research discovered that students were limited in their availability to volunteer and that traditional volunteer days for others did not work for students.
To solve the problem PRemiere arranged for on--campus shed builds to benefit their charity and arranged a local competition.
PRemiere Group members were Jacqulyne Pouncey, Ashanti Huey, Melissa Beazer, and Janet Lawrence.
"We're glad PRSSA recognized our campaign," said Janet Lawrence, PRemiere member. "We felt it was a good fit, particularly because everyone could participate. As one of our participants said, 'I'm not sure I trust myself with a hammer and nails around a house, but I am sure I can build a shed.'"
The Bateman teams were advised by faculty adviser Beth Dickey and professional adviser Jeff Ranta. During the five years the two have served as advisors, their teams have won eight national honors--three first place titles, three honorable mentions, one third place, and one to go.
There were 62 competitors in this year's contest. Details are on the Web at http://www.prssa.org/resources/bateman.
5/06
|
USC's "Can Do Carolina" team, which won first place in the international affiliate track of the National Bateman Public Relations Competition, included, from left, Betsy Heckert, Melissa Hensley, Anna Fox, and Ashley Moore.
