Four Gold winners advance to district-level American Advertising Federation competition
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA — Students in SOWELA Technical Community College’s Digital Arts program recently brought home a total of 12 awards from the regional American Advertising Federation (AAF) competition in Houston, TX. In total, the awards include four golds, three silvers and five certificates of excellence, with the gold winners advancing to the district level, which will include students from Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Winners include Pedro Carlucci with one gold and two silvers, Jacob Jewell with one gold and a certificate of excellence, Shelby Slone with one gold and a certificate of excellence, Cannon Brucchaus with a gold, Jean Connor Couvillion with one silver and a certificate of excellence, Lily Hebert with a certificate of excellence and Maile Yang with a certificate of excellence.
The American Advertising Awards, organized by the AAF, are the largest advertising competition in the United States, recognizing excellence in creative advertising and marketing. The competition celebrates outstanding work in graphic design, video, digital media, and branding, with both professionals and students competing in dedicated divisions. Entries advance through a three-tier system, beginning at the local level and moving to district and national competitions, giving students the opportunity to earn industry recognition, strengthen their portfolios, and connect with professionals while showcasing their creative skills on a national stage.
SOWELA’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Arts and Communication prepares students for employment and advancement within digital media. Two concentrations are available: Graphic Design and Media Production. Students learn how to use industry-standard software, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Registration for Summer and Fall 2026 opens on March 31. For more information or to apply, visit www.sowela.edu/apply. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify. Prospective students may also contact the One Stop Enrollment Office at (337) 421-6550 or onestop@sowela.edu to schedule a tour or ask questions.
For nine consecutive years, SOWELA has been named the No. 1 community college in Louisiana by Niche and WalletHub. SOWELA graduates rank first in the region and third statewide for highest median salaries, reflecting a strong return on investment and reinforcing the College’s role as a key economic driver for the state.