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The Akron Press Club, in conjunction with the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund Corp., hosted a celebration April 28, 2023, to present the 2023 John S. Knight Scholars. The two groups have been awarding scholarships together since 1985. Since its founding, the has awarded a total of $682,000 in scholarships to aspiring students.

The John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund annually awards scholarships to outstanding university students studying journalism, communication and public relations. This year, eight of the 10 scholarship recipients were 5X���� students. Those students were:

• Alexandria Manthey, 2023 John S. Knight Scholar
• Alton Northup, 2023 John S. Knight Scholar
• Chloe Robertson, 2023 John S. Knight Scholar
• Isabella Schreck, 2023 John S. Knight Scholar
• Madison Goerl, 2023 Ludel Sauvageot Award Winner
• Anthony Zacharyasz, 2023 Akron Press Club, Russ Pry Award Winner
• Sage Mason, 2023 Akron Press Club, Elizabeth Bartz Award Winner
• Grace Clarke, 2023 Akron Press Club, Aileen Thong Award Winner

Each Kent State award recipient this year is a student in the School of Media and Journalism, many involved in Kent State Student Media whether that be KentWired, TV2, A Magazine or others. The event was held at Greystone Hall in Akron with members of the press club, donors, faculty, winners and members of their families there to recognize the occasion. 

And the students were honored to be there.

"I am so thankful for this opportunity and the amazing generosity from the Akron Press Club. Receiving this scholarship means I will not have to worry about paying for my next semester of school,” Manthey said. “This scholarship gives me the opportunity to focus on my school-work even more in the future, without having to worry so much about expenses."

"I received this scholarship last year and it truly changed my life. It gave me the freedom to pursue my greatest passion, education. Receiving this scholarship again this year allows me to dive headfirst into my final year at 5X���� and become the first in my family to graduate college," Goerl said. 

"I was extremely shocked and grateful when I found out I received the scholarship," Clarke said. “Sometimes as a journalist it is easy to doubt yourself and your abilities; however, receiving this scholarship reminded me of who I want to be as a journalist and that I really am doing what I love.” 

“I feel so honored to have been recognized and chosen as a John S. Knight Scholar. This scholarship will allow me to continue to tell stories about the people around me, and I am forever grateful,” Robertson said. 

“The ability to be a recipient of a Knight Scholarship is a wonderful honor,” Zacharyasz said. “It tells me that people have faith and support what I am striving for.”

"There is no better school to study journalism than Kent State. As a student journalist, I feel I have grown closer to the Kent community and people than I otherwise would have,” Northup said. “It isn’t the most financially easy thing to come back each year and to receive a John S. Knight Scholarship ensures I can continue telling this community’s stories."

The annual presentation of the John S. Knight Scholarships and luncheon is a day that Kent State faculty and students in the School of Media and Journalism look forward to every year.

“We know our students do amazing work. We see it every day. But it’s exciting to have their work recognized in such a resounding way,” said Emily Metzgar, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Media and Journalism. “I’m delighted our students did so well, and I’m grateful to the Akron Press Club for their generous financial support of our students as they continue their studies at Kent State.”

Students are also able to network with members of the Akron Press Club at the annual luncheon, as well as those who are generous enough to fund the scholarships being awarded.

“This luncheon is an amazing opportunity for the donors to meet with the students receiving these awards,” said Luke Armour, associate professor of public relations in the school and coordinator of Flash Communications. “Not only was I able to introduce Sage to the entire room, but I was able to introduce her to Elizabeth Bartz. I love for these donors to see and meet the students they are helping with their generosity.”

Michele Ewing, APR, Fellow PRSA, professor in the school, agrees. 

“As a professor, I’m always rewarded by seeing students earn recognition for their leadership and outstanding work. Many of the Knight winners are students representing the journalism and public relations programs in the School of Media and Journalism,” Ewing said. “This recognition speaks to the exceptional work of our students and our faculty who guide them. It was so nice to take a moment to reflect about the meaningful work that happens each day in Franklin Hall.” 

Receiving a scholarship is always a monumental moment in a student’s career, but being recognized for your professional skills and accomplishments as well is a highlight these aspiring students will not soon forget.

Susan Kirkman Zake, professor in the school and faculty newsroom advisor, said, “I look forward to the Knight Scholarship Luncheon every spring. It's one of my favorite days during the school year, where we get to celebrate some of our best and brightest students’ impressive achievements. The award amounts are significant — I’m not exaggerating when I say they are life changing for some students.”

Learn more about the School of Media and Journalism

Explore Kent State Student Media.

Banner Photo Caption: From left to right: Chloe Robertson, Isabella Schreck, Sage Mason, Anthony Zacharyasz, Madison Goerl, Alton Northup and Grace Clarke.