A recent University of Kentucky graduate and familiar voice to WEKT listeners is being recognized as one of the best young radio storytellers in the country.
Nolia Williams, who wrapped up her journalism degree this past December, recently placed 18th out of 78 entries in the prestigious Hearst Journalism Awards audio competition.
The recognized piece was born out of Williams’ senior capstone project and her time as news director at UK’s student-run radio station, WRFL. She spent the semester making frequent trips to the Abbey of Gethsemani in Bardstown, capturing the quiet, deliberate lives of the monks.
The story features immersive “natural sound”—from the monks’ chanting to the wind and birdsong—paired with interviews with Brother Paul Quenon.
“I was drawn to the monastery because it’s such a stark contrast from our modern, fast-paced lives,” Williams said. “I learned as much from Brother Quenon’s wisdom as I did in my college classes.”
Nominated by UK professor David Stephenson, Williams said she is “blown away” to be ranked among the top 20 collegiate radio journalists in the nation. While the award is a major milestone, Williams notes that the connection she made with the monastery remains the most rewarding part of the experience.
Williams lives in Hopkinsville and works for WEKT as a news reporter.
Her award-winning news report can be heard below:
