WOTV 4 Grand Rapids is getting a face lift that might resemble the features of a Grand Valley State University student.

The local television station is in the final stage of its annual Face of 4 competition that awards the winner a $20,000 one-year television contract with WOTV 4 as a representative for on-air, online and in the community.

Jordan Carson, who is currently WOTV 4’s Face of 4, said above all else the station is looking for someone motivated and relatable.

“In the next Face of 4, we’re looking for someone in the community who is a great representation of our wonderful community,” she said. “Someone who can relate to our audience, and can easily go out into the community and really make a difference.

The competition began in October and WOTV 4 picked the top 20 from the open auditions. After another round of interviews and the opportunity for the public to vote for their favorites, the final six have been chosen and a winner will be picked on Nov. 30. GVSU’s roots are tied to five out of six of the final Face of 4 competitors, which Carlson said she thinks is “amazing.”

Broadcasting professor Keith Oppenheim, who worked for CNN before coming to GVSU, said that speaks to the work ethic of the university’s students.

“Their collective push to win sends a positive message that if young broadcasters demonstrate a mix of strong skills and desire, they can succeed in this field,” he said. “Our broadcasting students know an opportunity when they see one.”

Oppenheim said the focus of news stations generating viewership is a perfect way to break into a difficult job market.

“This competition seems to have captured the imagination of the public and has generated a lot of buzz online,” Oppenheim said.

Shanda DeWitt, 21, secured her place in the top six by winning the “People’s choice” votes on the WOTV 4 website, which guaranteed her a spot in the finals.

“I think I’m the right person because I’m genuine,” DeWitt said. “I hope people can see that and know that I’m really all about having fun and seeing what everyone is about. It’s about the people in the community, not about me.”

DeWitt, who grew up in the economically-exhausted Detroit area, said she finds hope in the city of Grand Rapids’ optimism, which gives her the heart for the job. She attributes her skills to her time at GVSU as a broadcasting and Spanish major as well as to her advisor, who encouraged her to audition in the first place.

“I have had a lot of experience being in front of the camera through various organizations and classes, and I believe that is the most valuable thing I can take from GVSU to this job,” DeWitt said.

Darryl Thompson, 27, is among the GVSU alumni that scored a place in the top six. A Walker native, Thompson holds a Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in art and design.

It is in his love of the community and the people in it that Thompson said he finds his greatest advantages.

“Obviously a main portion of the job as Face of 4 is community involvement and GVSU is the base of where my love for people came from,” Thompson said. “Meeting new people and learning new cultures, participating in events, dorm life, sports and many other events gave me a love for community that I still carry with me today.”

The live finale for the competition will be held Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at Peppino’s Downtown Sports Lounge on 130 Ionia Avenue in Grand Rapids. Admission is free, and seating starts at 5 p.m.

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