April 21, 2025
Pearl River Community College Graphic Design student Ariona Anderson has earned a Silver ADDY Award at the American Advertising Federation District 7 American Advertising Awards. Her compelling campaign, “Add to Cart? Add to Waste,” will now advance to the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), where she’ll present alongside top student creatives nationwide.
The campaign sheds light on the devastating global impact of the fast fashion industry, urging consumers to think twice before making impulsive online purchases. Through striking visuals and sharp messaging, Anderson’s work exposes how excessive consumerism and low-cost clothing production contribute to mounting textile waste, unethical labor practices, and irreversible environmental damage.
District 7 is one of the American Advertising Federation’s largest and most competitive regions, encompassing Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and representing more than 3,000 advertising professionals across 19 clubs. Anderson’s submission advanced to the District Competition after winning a Silver ADDY at the MS Gulf Coast Chapter Award Ceremony.
“What an honor it is to not only win a Silver ADDY Award at the Mississippi Gulf Coast chapter, but also a Silver District 7 ADDY Award!” said Anderson. “It feels incredible to have my work recognized on this level and to see that all the hours I invest in myself are truly paying off. This achievement motivates me to keep pushing forward. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to use design as a way to communicate for a cause—it makes the work feel impactful.”
The American Advertising Federation’s NSAC challenges over 2,000 students annually to create strategic, research-driven campaigns for national brands. Ariona’s concept-driven work not only demonstrates advanced design thinking but also tackles a pressing environmental issue that resonates with global audiences.
“Winning a Silver District 7 ADDY Award is a significant achievement, highlighting exceptional talent in advertising across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee,” said Instructor of Graphic Design Corey Guerra. “Ariona Anderson’s project, ‘Add to Cart? Add to Waste,’ not only exemplifies creative excellence but also underscores the impact of responsible advertising. Her recognition among a select group of students in Mississippi showcases her dedication to using design as a catalyst for meaningful change.”
Anderson’s project is a powerful reminder that great design can do more than sell — it can inform, challenge, and inspire change. PRCC is incredibly proud of Anderson and looks forward to seeing “Add to Cart? Add to Waste.” continue to make an impact on the national stage.
Graphic Design Program at PRCC
The Graphic Design Program at Pearl River Community College fosters creativity, innovation, and professional excellence. Through a dynamic curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, we equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the diverse field of graphic design. The mission is to cultivate versatile professionals who can effectively communicate ideas visually, adapt to industry changes, and contribute meaningfully to society through their artistry and expertise.
The program was developed and is being taught by Guerra, a graphic designer, illustrator, and fine artist with training focused on both traditional and digital media. Originally trained in studio art with a deep focus on oil painting utilizing the tradition of the old masters, Guerra expanded into the digital realm when earning his BA in Digital Design from Tulane University and an MFA in Media Design from Full Sail University. His graduate education and thesis focused on branding and brand identity design across various forms of digital media.
About the ADDY Awards
The ADDY Awards are considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the advertising industry, recognizing excellence in advertising, marketing, and graphic design across a variety of media. For both seasoned professionals and graphic design students, the ADDY Awards represent a significant milestone in their careers, offering industry recognition, career advancement, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
The competition celebrates cutting-edge design and encourages participants to push their creative boundaries. Designers and students alike are inspired to develop bold, innovative solutions in branding, advertising, and digital media, knowing that their work will be judged against the highest standards. The student competition category provides emerging designers with a platform to showcase their work and receive recognition from professionals in the field. Many students who win ADDYs find that the award serves as a steppingstone to internships, job placements, and mentorship opportunities that help launch their careers.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Graphics and photo by Corey Guerra.
