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The College of Fine Arts & Communications Announces #ExperienceCFAC 2025 Creative Works Contest Winners

CFAC Students Awarded Prizes for their Experiential Learning Essays and Visual Media

Upon his inauguration in 2023, Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese emphasized the importance of “becom[ing] the BYU of prophecy and promise” by embracing inspiring learning — learning that is primarily concerned with a student’s eternal progression.

This year, College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC) students embodied this message as they took their learning across the globe. With over 80 entries, featuring experiences from restoration in BYU’s Museum of Art to backpacking through the Italian Dolomites and beyond, the 2025 #ExperienceCFAC Creative Works Contest highlights how broadly our students engage in experiential learning and the life-changing experiences that result.

Six CFAC students won cash prizes for sharing their stories of experiential learning from internships, study abroad programs and more. The students embraced President Reese’s call to enhance inspired learning by working to make a difference around the world, both at home and abroad, through their involvement in humanitarian projects, theatre and arts events and non-profit organizations.

These winning essays and visual media submissions were entered into the College’s annual #ExperienceCFAC Creative Works Contest, which aims to highlight experiential learning that took place during the 2024-2025 academic year.

“The goal of this contest is to recognize and celebrate the incredible, unique learning experiences of our students,” said Diane Reich, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications. “Not only are students enjoying immersive learning opportunities, but are also having profound life-changing and faith-building experiences at the same time. This is the heart of inspiring learning at BYU and in our college.”

Meet the winners, read about their experiences and learn more about the Creative Works Contest below!

Essay Winners

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Sydney Jezik

1st Place Essay Winner
Communications
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Rachel Maughan

2nd Place Essay Winner
Art
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David Kime

3rd Place Essay Winner
Music
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Visual Media Winners

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Colette Radstone

1st Place Visual Media Winner
Dance
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Ella Babcock

2nd Place Visual Media Winner
Design
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Cooper Douglass

3rd Place Visual Media Winner
Design
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Although the contest for this year has concluded, students can continue to share experiential learning opportunities using the hashtag #ExperienceCFAC on social media channels or submitting a story on the college’s website.

CFAC Homepage / Creative Works Contest