Preston Media Year Wrap-Up 2024–2025: The Story We Told Together

PM Rewind: Season VII Collage!

What a whirlwind of a year it has been.

From our early steps last semester to the powerhouse moves of this one, Preston Media has documented, narrated, and amplified the voice of Prestonites across platforms and experiences. Whether behind the lens or in front of the mic, we’ve been there, capturing the pulse of hall life, student leadership, and growth in every form.

Last semester was our launchpad. We introduced our sports segment, covered Shark Mania Day, and rolled through Orientation Week with Café Blue care packages in hand. In September, we covered Induction Day, joined the EAC Beach Clean-Up, and brought the splash from Taylor Hall’s Water Party through Esplash. October saw us at a Public Speaking Workshop and deep in Breast Cancer Awareness, before November delivered our first church service, Sharkwave News’ report on Tropical Storm Rafael, and the exciting launch of our website. We closed the semester in December with festive cheers and a recap video to welcome the New Year.

But this semester, we transcended.

January kicked off with Public Speaking Coordinatorship at the JADE Debate Academy, setting the tone for a packed February. On February 4th, we covered the Rex Nettleford Distinguished Lecture, Leadership Seminar, and opened our blog submission application for The Captain’s Logs, our official blog. We dove into communication mastery with SPEAK WITH IMPACT Part 1 on February 5th, and later, the Brand Development Programme and SPEAK WITH IMPACT Part 2 on February 8th. The creativity flowed with Incognito and Band Launch, and Love Language, our Valentine’s personality quiz on February 14th, brought a lighthearted connection to the season. At the end of this busy chapter, we closed out the month with Blogging Szn on the 23rd.

In March, we continued our quiz fun on the 8th with Mr. and Miss Prestonite Online, a quiz pageant in support of the Mr. & Miss Preston competition and we captured key moments at our Photography Workshop on the 9th. And then came a national stage…

Our segment on CVM Sunrise was a shining moment for Preston Media, and here’s what our team had to say:

Lanoi “Cheeks” Beech:

“It was so surreal; it fulfilled a long-lived desire to be on TV, and it allowed me to see what a real production is like as well as [provided] a networking opportunity. I’m looking forward to other platforms like TVJ and experiences that allow for growth, exposure, and brand building. As RA for branding, marketing, and media communications, it was important for my students to see how the skills they’ve learned in public speaking, networking, and self-promotion translate in real-world settings like this.”

Rhys “Nintendo” McGowan:

“It was an enlightening experience. [It was] a very beautiful venue, and the people were incredibly hospitable. The hosts of the show were incredibly bubbly and kind. The most memorable thing was the game show. It was a light-hearted general knowledge, School Challenge Quiz-esque competition where everyone had fun — both the winning team (our team) and the losing team.”

We continued strong with our Guild Debates coverage on March 18th, bringing the spotlight to the Mr. & Miss Preston (MMP) competition on March 25th.

Javaughn Richards, who was crowned Mr. Preston 2025, reflected:

“My MMP journey started with excitement, but as rehearsals progressed, I questioned if I was cut out for it. Still, I pressed on. It taught me resilience, creativity, and reminded me to give myself grace through the ups and downs. Being on stage was electric. I stayed true to my values and shared that with the crowd. I built friendships and now wear the crown with pride and humility. To anyone doubting themselves: the only limit to your greatness is the one you place on yourself. Put God first, and you will be successful.”

Our Miss Preston 2025, Tonishae Smith, shared her powerful testimony:

“Sometimes you step into new spaces and others see potential in you before you even realize it yourself. When I moved to Aston Preston Hall last semester, I wasn’t fully connected to the hall culture, but after a few interactions, people started encouraging me to enter the Mr. and Miss Preston pageant—even though it hadn’t been held in years. Initially hesitant, especially after recently competing in the JCDC Festival Queen competition, I eventually applied. What followed was an incredible journey of growth. Balancing law school, guild elections, and pageant rehearsals was overwhelming, but I stayed committed, pushed by the unwavering belief and support from friends and mentors like Desi, Dejanae, Jenicia, Kevoy, Shermario, and Ajani. This experience reminded me that sometimes others will see your potential long before you do, and trusting their faith in you can lead to life-changing growth — a lesson I am forever grateful for.”

We grounded the semester in faith and gratitude at our Preston Week Church Service on April 5th.

Ajani “Potcova” Campbell, outgoing hall chairman, reflecting on his journey:

“Bingi lingi lingi lingi ling. As I close this remarkable chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and love. Serving as Hall Chairman of Aston Preston Hall has been one of the greatest honours of my life. From the moment I first set foot in this hall, I knew it was more than just a place to live; it was the beginning of a journey to discovering who I truly am. And so, I hope that everyone will find their peace in Preston.”

Kevoy “Deacon” Pryce:

As I reflect on the year that has passed, I am filled with deep gratitude, love, laughter, and growth.

It’s been a journey of challenges and powerful moments of connection. This past year reminded us of the strength that comes from unity, the beauty in creativity, and the importance of staying true to our purpose.

To every team member [from the] Admin, Tank Talk, Esplash, Sharkwave News, Editorial, and Praise Teams [and every] supporter and friend who stood with us through the difficulties:

Thank you.

Your belief, your energy, and your love have helped carry us through.

As we step into this new chapter, my heart is full of hope. Let’s move forward with kindness at the core, with open hearts, and with the courage to dream even bigger.

There is so much more to create, to build, and to become together.

And always remember:

Innovation starts with impossibility.

With love,

Kevoy Pryce

Executive Producer

This year, we didn’t just document moments; we built a legacy of purpose, passion, and possibility that will echo through Preston for years to come. Until next time, stay bold, stay creative, and we’ll see you next year for the next chapter of the story we’ll tell together.

By Alecia England, Editor-in-Chief of Preston Media 24/25