This week on Scholar Sessions, host Tori McMichael sits down with the 2026 Excellence in Media Award winners: Tess Meggison from Drake University and Campbell Valline from Iowa State University. Fresh off Media Scholars Week 2026 in Washington, D.C., Tess and Campbell share their experience: how they found WMSF, what it took to build a winning pitch across two different campuses, and what it actually felt like to hear their names called at the NAB luncheon.
Their path to the competition is a story about friendship and hustle. Campbell first heard about WMSF through a connection with a former finalist, applied for the case competition on her own, and then recruited Tess, her best friend since high school, to join her for the semifinal round. What followed were months of Zoom calls, a practice pitch in front of a real Des Moines media agency, and a presentation strategy built around going first.
In this Episode:
Working with a real client and a real budget for the first time
Their preparation process, including a mock pitch at ZLR Media in Des Moines
Why they wanted the first presentation slot -- and what it felt like to go first at NAB
The moment their names were called, and what came after
What’s next for both of them, and a promise to be back in D.C. next summer
Connect With Us
Have questions about the case competition or want to learn more about Media Scholars opportunities? Visit mediascholars.org or reach out to Tori McMichael at tori.mcmichael@mediascholars.org.
Credits
Host: Tori McMichael, Executive Director, Washington Media Scholars Foundation
Presenting Sponsor: Gray Media
Subscribe: Available on all podcast platforms
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