In February, 12 Troy University graphic design students were honored in Montgomery at the 2026 American Advertising Awards for their contributions in advertising, design, illustration, photography, video and motion Graphics. This recognition marks the first of a three-tiered competition that also includes a regional and national component.

Ileana Lampon was the only student from TROY who was recognized at the regional level for her stop-motion video “POTS: Got Salt” – a public service announcement (PSA) created in Professor Chris Stagl’s Motion Graphics course that brings attention to people who have a salt deficiency. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic form of autonomic nervous system dysfunction characterized by a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) upon standing.

“My sister suffers from POTS, and so when I was challenged to create a PSA in Stagl’s motion graphics class, I knew immediately this was going to be my subject,” Lampon said. “The process was very tedious, and the time involved was probably more than I have spent on any other project, but the results were definitely worth it.

“Ileana’s project is not the first stop motion PSA to be recognized since we began offering this project at TROY,” Stagl said. “However, it may be the most nuanced piece I’ve seen in the past six years since I’ve been here. The intense time it takes – and the dedication to the craft can be seen in the final video. I’m proud of her for putting in the time and having the passion to make such a cool piece.”

You can watch Lampon’s full PSA here.

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

Along with the regional silver ADDY, she also won a gold locally. Lampon’s motion graphics project will compete at the national portion of the competition this May in Austin, Texas.