Advertising and visual communications students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications picked up a lot of hardware at the American Advertising Federation Midland's Chapter ADDY Awards. The awards were presented at the "Under the Stars" gala on Feb. 22.
Sixteen students won a total of 25 awards, including 12 Gold ADDYs and two Special Judges Awards, the highest award an entry can receive.
"This year’s visual communications awards are a testament to the hard work of our students, dedication of our faculty and relevance of updated curriculum,” says Sabrina Habib, visual communications sequence head.
Alex Marinelli who earned his bachelor's in visual communications in 2023 is one of two ADDY recipients who are continuing their studies in the Master's of Mass Communications program. Although he is still a student, he competed in the professional category.
“Representing the University of South Carolina, the MMC program, and our football program at the 2025 ADDY Awards was an incredible honor," says Alex Marinelli."To be recognized alongside such talented professionals and students is a defining moment in my collegiate career. I’m deeply grateful to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications for providing opportunities that allow students to showcase their talents on such a prestigious stage.”
The AAF competition represents the broadest creative spirit of advertising by recognizing all forms of advertising, in all varieties of media. The AAF Awards are a three-tiered award competition consisting of a local, district and national competition. Gold ADDYs are automatically entered in the district competition.
Gold ADDYs and Special Awards
Noah Whalen, visual communications senior
- Gold - Online/Interactive, Social Media - The Advantage
- Gold - Ambient Media, OOH Site - Gamecocks Baseball Intro 2024
- Gold - Ambient Media, OOH Site Campaign - Football Scoreboard Graphics
- Special Judges’ Award - Gamecocks Baseball Intro 2024
- Silver - Online/Interactive, Social Media - Senior Day Awards Video
Jacob Bopp, advertising senior
- Gold - Magazine Advertising, Campaign - Anchor Pet Supply: Lap of Luxury
- Gold - Integrated Campaign - Runts: Reppin’ Runts
- Silver - Advertising & Promotion, Campaign - Runts: Reppin’ Runts
Sidra Blackwelder, visual communications senior
- Gold - Online/Interactive, Web Banner Ad - Up Motion Poster
Chloe Brown, advertising senior
- Gold - Copywriting - Bird Dog - Whiskey for B*tches
- Gold - Magazine Campaign - Bird Dog - Whiskey for B*tches
- Special Judges Award for Copywriting - Bird Dog - Whiskey for B*tches
Alex Marinelli, visual communications alumnus and current master's student
- People's Choice and Gold - The Offseason
- Gold - Spencer Rattler – Go Be Great (2024 NFL Draft)
- Silver - Battle Armor
Kyleigh McCommish and Rylee Clifford, visual communications seniors
- Gold - Elements of Advertising, Animation or Special FX - Beard Kiss Explainer Video
Casey Hall, Emma Madsen, Jake Powlen and Drew Sisto, advertising
- Gold - Outdoor & Transit Advertising, Campaign - “NotCo – Not Hangover”
Silver ADDYs
Nick Lott, visual communications alumnus and current master's student
- Out Of Home & Ambient Media - Poster for Gamecocks Baseball Palmetto Series
- Online/Interactive, Social Media - Campaign for Drafted Series
- Online/Interactive, Social Media - Campaign for Carolina Gameday Social Graphics
Lexi Croft, visual communications senior
- Publication Design, Cover - Fresh Magazine Cover
Chelsea Gourdine, visual communications senior
- Integrated Campaign - Black Women Photography Identity System
- Special Event Materials - World Photography Day
Finley Edwards, visual communications senior
- Online/Interactive, Social Media - Texas A&M recap
Briellie Turner, visual communications sophomore
- Elements of Advertising: Black and White Photography - Essence