Taylor Reed was named a finalist for the PRWeek Student of the Year Competition. (MICHAEL DANSER/The Daily Campus) (The Daily Campus)

Sophomore Meadows student Taylor Reed has been named a finalist for the PRWeek Student of the Year Competition. Majoring in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (CCPA), Reed will travel to New York to further compete for an internship and prize money.

“I never thought I’d be a finalist so I’m extremely surprised and happy,” Reed said.

While studying in New Orleans, Reed was notified of her success in making it past the first round of judging. Reed’s entry, a campaign strategy for SanDisk Corporation, began as required coursework for Professor Christy Baily-Byers’ Introduction to Public Relations class.

“The PRWeek competition will put Taylor in a national spotlight,” Baily-Byers said. “Agency and corporate communication professionals will take notice of her work.”

This is a big step for Reed’s future. She aspires to work for the PGA Tour communications department in Florida after college. Currently, her focus is on winning the internship at Hill & Knowlton, a New York Public Relations firm.

“I’m most excited about the internship opportunity,” Reed said. “It would be such an honor to work for them”

Outside of the classroom, Reed actively serves as the PR director for Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She attributes some of her success as a PRWeek finalist to her involvement in the organization.

“The organization opens doors for students – literally,” Baily-Byers said.

Reed’s work ethic plays a large role in her achievement.

“Most sophomores would not have learned how to develop a strategic public relations plan,”Baily-Byers said.

Both Baily-Byers and SanDisk judges were impressed with Reed’s finished design.

“Taylor is a conscientious, detail-oriented student, very different from many students,” Baily-Byers said. “She is bright, enthusiastic, upbeat and way ahead of the curve.”

The competition ends Jan. 25 with the second round of judging. The winner will be announced at the annual PRWeek Awards dinner and ceremony on March 10.