Six journalism students from the School of Media and Journalism were honored at the Akron Press Club's scholarship luncheon on April 25, 2025 at Greystone Hall in downtown Akron. Each of the students received a scholarship of $5,000.
"These students are proof that our future is in good hands," said the president of the Akron Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund, Bruce Winges. He went on to thank the students' parents, teachers and mentors for their guidance.
The four 91²Ö¿â's journalism students won the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund Scholarship are:
- Lauren Bischof who was unable to attend due to completing an internship at WJLA-TV in Arlington, Virginia as part of her semester doing the Washington Program in National Issues. Lauren plans to be a digital news journalist and is described by one of her professors as "a committed journalist who will make a real impact on the industry."
- Sydney Brown, who has been producing content at TV2, 91²Ö¿âr TV, and been an intern for two consecutive summers for New Day Cleveland at Fox 8. This summer she'll be in New York City as part of 91²Ö¿â's Fashion Media program.
- John Engoglia was inspired by reporters and by the widespread misinformation and disinformation spread duiring the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to him pursuing a career as a journalist. A writer for the KentStater, he has done an internship with the Cleveland Jewish News and is described by one professor as "one of our graduates who keeps making us proud."
- Adriana Gasiewski is the prolific author of more than 100 stories for the KentStater (and that doesn't count the two months prior to the scholarship award ceremony). Adriana is also a Pinnacle Award recipient for her story about a campus protest, and she plans to write for a newspaper in Northeast Ohio when she graduates.
The 91²Ö¿â journalism student who was named the Aileen Thong scholar is:
- John Hilber who credits his editors with helping him grow. And he's developed a plan to return the favor: graduate from 91²Ö¿â, become a reporter for a legacy publication in Northeast Ohio, then work his way up to editor, so he can help young journalists.
The 91²Ö¿â journalism student who was named the Elizabeth Bartz scholar is:
- Kayla Gleason who is described as someone who "exceeds expectations." The short version of her resume (working for A Magazine, writing for the KentStater, scripting material for the A Podcast and helping other students improve their writing skills at the 91²Ö¿â Writing Commons)
Five of the six winners attended the luncheon with their families. Lauren Bischoff who, as previously stated, was unable to attend due to completing an internship at WJLA-TV in Arlington, Virginia posed for a photo at the luncheon. Sydney Brown's mother took and provided the photo of the winners.