CANTON -- Kamal A. Turner, an instructional support assistant and adjunct faculty member in SUNY Canton's graphic and multimedia design program, recently received a scriptwriting award from the Broadcast Education Association (BEA).

Turner submitted his short-film script titled "One Awkward Ride" to BEA's annual Festival Of Media Arts competition, which recognizes faculty and student creativity, according to a press release from SUNY Canton.

The contest is open to all BEA members, and categories range from sports and news broadcasting to documentary video production. More than 175 colleges and universities submitted entries this year.

Turner's script earned a “Best of Competition” award in the short subject/TV half-hour category. The story's main characters are students who, through a series of misfortunate events, are forced into uncomfortable situations.

"The story is very loosely based on my experiences in college," Turner said. "We've all been in socially awkward situations, and I wanted this script to explore that."

Turner has written scripts in the past, and he previously acted in and served as an assistant director for the movie "Dissection of an Olive," which was written and directed by SUNY Canton Adjunct Instructor Summer Dorr.

Most recently, he served as a production assistant for the television show pilot episode for "ZBURG," which was co-created by TV and film actor Mark Valley and Ethan Henry.

The BEA awards are presented during their annual convention in April.