Join us Friday, April 26, at noon as the Akron Press Club honors 2024 recipients of scholarships from the Press Club, the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund and the Sojourner Truth Education Committee during a special luncheon at Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., in downtown Akron. The scholarships are given to students studying journalism, communications or public relations and marketing. A total of 10 students are receiving scholarships from the Akron Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund. Each scholarship is $5,000.
“The scholarship winners represent the future of journalism and public relations,” said Bruce Winges, Akron Press Club president. “The Press Club is honored to join these students on their academic journey through the scholarships.”
This year the Press Club in collaboration with the Sojourner Truth Education Committee created a new scholarship. The Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship is awarded to an Akron Public Schools senior. The scholarship honors renowned women’s rights activist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth, who made her historic speech known as “Ain’t I A Woman?” in Akron on May 29, 1851.The recipient of this first-time scholarship is Demetrion Duvall of Buchtel Community Learning Center
Six area college students were selected for scholarships in memory of longtime Akron Beacon Journal editor John S. Knight and public relations professional Ludel Sauvageot. This year's Knight scholars are Mariah Alanskas, Alton Northup, Tanner Poe and Isabella Schreck, all of Kent State University; and Megan Williams of the University of Akron. The Sauvageot scholar is Natalie Feaser of the University of Akron.
A seventh student received the Russ Pry scholarship from the Akron Press Club, named in honor of the Summit County executive who died in 2016. He supported the Press Club through his annual State of the County speech. Current Executive Ilene Shapiro continues that tradition. The Press Club sincerely thanks Summit County for its generous donation to our scholarship fund. The Russ Pry scholar is Aden Graves of Kent State.
Through the generosity of Aileen Thong, a retired U.S. Army physician, in tribute to her father, the late Louis Gitsin Thong, the Akron Press Club awarded two more scholarships. The Thong scholars are Destiny Tores and Chloe Wilson-Henline of Kent State.
The 10th scholarship is made possible by Elizabeth Bartz, president and chief executive of State and Federal Communications. The Bartz scholar is Macy Rosen of Kent State.
The scholars will be recognized at a noon luncheon April 26 at Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., in downtown Akron. We hope you can join us!
Tickets for the lunch, sponsored by the Akron Press Club, are $35. For reservations, please click here or email Akronpressclub@gmail.com