For Awa Camara, journalism began as a whisper—an instinct to understand the world, even when words didn’t come easily. A self-described shy kid growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Awa often felt like an observer in her own community. But over the years, she transformed that quiet curiosity into a powerful voice that now resonates far beyond her hometown.
This year, Awa was awarded the prestigious Mary Y. Inglis regional college scholarship from SIPA, a recognition of both her talent and her unwavering dedication to journalism. It is an achievement that marks the culmination of years of growth, leadership, and a deepening love for storytelling.
“I always admired people who were adventurous and did meaningful work in their community,” Awa shared. “I wanted to be like that. I wanted to make an impact.”
That journey began at the end of her freshman year when she stepped out of her comfort zone and applied to join WTHS News, her school’s broadcast publication. It was a leap that would change everything.
Through WTHS, Awa not only learned the technical aspects of journalism such as newsgathering, writing, and storytelling, but she also found her voice and her purpose. She discovered the joy of sharing information and became a connector within her school community. Her passion deepened further through experiences with the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association where she saw the possibilities multimedia could offer.
But her growth was not limited to storytelling skills. Journalism helped Awa evolve personally too.
“I became more social and outgoing. I’ve met so many people, heard so many stories,” she said. “It made me the person I wanted to be.”
As her confidence grew, so did her responsibilities. By her junior year, she was named Co-Executive Producer of WTHS News and eventually rose to the position of Executive Producer. In that role, Awa took on the challenge of leading a team, managing production, and fostering an environment where every team member felt valued and heard.
Check out Awa’s Portfolio:
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