Speak Out
Justin Chappell
George Buchanan Award

The George Buchanan Award is the second oldest award given by the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

It is given in memory of George "Buch" Buchanan, an editor and publisher of The Columbia Record, who was a legend among state reporters. He also served as dean of the School of Journalism from 1955-1965.

Professor Cecile Holmes, lead senior semester instructor, on what makes Justin unique:

Justin has been an excellent print journalism student. He was the recipient of the 2005 South Carolina Press Association Mundy Award and a Scripps Howard Foundation scholarship winner.

Justin has a natural writer's eye. With his strong storytelling and reporting skills, Justin will do well in journalism. He also is a gifted photographer and the sort of student any professor is proud to teach.

Justin Speaks Out:

Why did you choose USC?

Because it's a totally different part of the country from where I was raised, and I wanted to discover a new area.

Why print journalism?

Print journalism seemed (and still seems) more real and worthwhile than most careers. I like that my days are spent talking with people about what's important to them and that my effort benefits the community in some way. And I love that everyday is an adventure.

Favorite/most beneficial class?

Mr. Wiggins' magazine writing class had the most impact on me because we studied writers with interesting storytelling techniques and very unique voices. After that, I felt charged to find my own unique style.

What will you miss most about college?

Loans. Just kidding. I'll miss being able to pull a professor aside whenever I have a question.

And you won't miss?

Poverty, pasta, pollo.

What are you really passionate about?

I'm passionate about taking readers to a place they've never been -- beyond the obvious news story. I want them to go on an adventure and see what's interesting about the story, see its quirks.

Has there been a "defining moment" or significant event  in your college experience?

I wrote a feature story on breast cancer for The State newspaper, and as soon as I was done, I knew that I definitely wanted to be a features writer.

(Read Justin's feature on breast cancer, Lean on me, or his article about online journals, Blogs across America.)

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Write a lot — everything from magazine features to news articles to novels. And maybe teach writing somewhere.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for other students in your major?

Get as many internships as you can. You'll know you're ready to graduate when the "inverted pyramid" goes from being a thought process to a feeling.

Any parting words or something you'd like to say to your SJMC family, or anyone else, before you head out the door?

The j-school is great because its professors are so amazing. You guys are the bomb, and I wouldn't be able to write a proper sentence without you. You've been so sincere, so dedicated, and that makes me want to make you proud.

Read the other Outstanding Senior comments: