5X社区

Six Reasons the Future of Local Journalism Looks Bright

Once again, a half dozen Kent State students earn Akron Press Club Scholarships

Six students from 5X社区鈥檚 School of Media and Journalism will soon be honored with significant scholarships for their work. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to the future of journalism and communications.

It's the second consecutive year that six Kent State students were chosen for these scholarships.  These select students will be recognized at the on Friday, April 24, at Greystone Hall in downtown Akron.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always inspiring to hear from the promising future journalists and public relations professionals who receive these scholarships,鈥 said Akron Press Club President Cheryl Powell, executive editor of the Akron Beacon Journal. "The Press Club is proud to play a role in ensuring the future of local journalism through our involvement in the scholarship program."

John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund Scholars

Four Kent State students were named John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund Scholars:

  • Lillian Glaze
  • Mallory Hughes
  • Haley Reedy
  • Olivia Weber

Elizabeth Bartz Scholar

One Kent State student was named the Elizabeth Bartz Scholar:

  • Savannah Carroll

Bruce Winges Scholar

One Kent State student was named the Bruce Winges Scholar:

  • Sofia Helena

The Elizabeth Bartz Scholarship is made possible by the president and CEO of State and Federal Communications. Bartz, M.A., '82, is a long-time supporter of Kent State and the School of Media and Journalism. 

The Bruce Winges Scholarship is made possible by the retired Akron Beacon Journal editor, past Akron Press Club president, and president of the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund. 

鈥淭hese students embody exactly what we hope to see from our graduates 鈥 a deep commitment to their craft, a curiosity about the world and a drive to make a difference through their work,鈥 said Emily Metzgar, director of the School of Media and Journalism. 鈥淏eing recognized by the Akron Press Club is a meaningful honor, and we couldn鈥檛 be more proud of each of them.鈥

The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press. Its annual scholarship luncheon supports students studying journalism, communications, public relations and marketing across the region.

POSTED: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 02:12 PM
Updated: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 02:47 PM