For Immediate Release
March 16, 2022

Laura Adams Wins Prestigious Vanguard Award

Laura Adams, a Radio and Television Production major, has been awarded a prestigious Vanguard Student Recognition Award.

Laura Adams, a Suffolk County Community College Radio and Television Production major has been awarded a prestigious Vanguard Student Recognition Award. The Vanguard Award is presented annually by the Nontraditional Employment & Training (NET) Project, an initiative administered by SUNY Albany’s Center for Women in Government & Civil Society in partnership with the New York State Education Department.

Adams was among only nine students state-wide nominated for the prestigious award that acknowledges outstanding students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs that prepare them for professions that are not traditional for their gender.

Adams, 40, a Nesconset mother of two said Radio and Television Production has always been a passion. “I am truly honored to be among the winners of the Vanguard Award. I feel immense validation in this moment, and I am incredibly grateful to receive this recognition. I am empowered by all women whose passion fuels their career, especially those in professions nontraditional for their gender. I would love to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Gayle Sheridan. Her support, guidance and knowledge continue to inspire me - motivating me to persevere in Radio, Television, and Film production,” Adams said. 

 “The Vanguard Award not only recognizes outstanding students,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue, “but also the work being done at Suffolk to support non-traditional students pursuing careers in fields that are open to talent that represents every part of our diverse student body and community. Congratulations to Laura and her professors.”

Suffolk County Community College Professor and Assistant Academic Chair of Communications, Radio, T.V. and Film Gayle Sheridan nominated Adams for the award, writing that “Laura is the quintessential role model to her peers …  takes on a leadership role and ‘takes charge’ of managing, numerous, production teams.”

Sheridan also wrote that “Laura Adams performance on exams and all aspects of Radio & Television Productions are exceptional. It is clear that she has found her passion in this field. Her commitment to preproduction, production and post production is stellar.”

Adams recently spearheaded production of spoken word versions of several student works from the college’s literary magazine, Perspectives for the college’s radio station, Suffolk Radio (scccir.com) where Adams also works and interned.  

“Laura’s talent and knowledge of our industry has helped Suffolk Radio, as well as the rest of the staff, turn out excellent audio productions. Our Perspectives Literary Magazine features her crowning achievement. It's been a pleasure having Laura as a member of our Suffolk Radio team,” said Suffolk Internet Radio Station manager Bill Terry.

The Vanguard Award Ceremony will be held virtually at the NET Conference on Thursday, May 19, 2022. 

Support for the development/production of this material was provided by a grant under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act administered by the New York State Education Department.