Ostroh Academy Graduate is Shortlisted for the Main Journalism Award in the UK

January 18, 2024

Svitlana Morenets, a graduate of the speciality "Journalism" of The National University of Ostroh Academy and a journalist for The Spectator, has been shortlisted for the Young Journalist of the Year 2024 category by The Press Awards, the UK's leading award for journalists. Svitlana's report from eastern Ukraine on the problems of medical support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine was also shortlisted for the Article of the Year award by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Head of the Department of Journalism and PR Management, Cand. Sc. (Philology), Associate Professor Roman Shulyk noted that during their studies, the lecturers of the department always encourage students to make the most of all the opportunities for self-improvement and self-realisation and help them find such opportunities:

"Svitlana was among the students who actively used such opportunities. Vigorous, hard-working, responsible, and self-motivated, she won competitions for the best materials and received grants from major media organisations while still studying. I will always remember how Svitlana, striving to write a high-quality fictional report, went on a risky several-week journey to occupied Crimea. We are in regular contact with Svitlana, as well as with most of our alums. We are trying to develop a high-quality educational community because this environment contributes to forming true value-oriented professionals".

Vitalii Holubiev, Secretary of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, added:

"A graduate of the School of Universal Journalism is in the running for the main award for journalists in the UK. What can I say? I am proud of Svitlana's accomplishments! And I urge today's high school students who dream of journalism to believe in their dreams and follow them boldly."

"I am happy that the work of journalists from Ukraine is appreciated and recognised abroad. I am grateful to Ostroh Academy and its lecturers for their support in taking my first steps in journalism. It is where I gained knowledge and the freedom to develop and work in my profession from the first year of my studies. I wish journalism students be persistent and courageous in promoting their voices in the Western media. Now, it is essential for our country: no foreign journalist can tell about the struggle of Ukrainians in the way we can."

We sincerely congratulate Svitlana on this achievement and wish her further success, inexhaustible energy and new achievements in her professional life!