Congratulations to all 2021 award, prize, and scholarship winners! Despite the challenges that this year has brought to many, SMPA students studied, worked hard, and excelled. Our awards recognize the accomplishments, contributions, and provide support.
Larry King Scholarships
Winners: Jonas Poggi, Hana Hancock, Emma Page, Abi Cole, Drew Amstutz, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Madelyn Sell, Isabelle Schmele, Elizabeth Irons
The Larry King scholarship was created by the former CNN personality, American television and radio host, whose work has been recognized with awards including two Peabodys, an Emmy award, and 10 Cable ACE Awards. This award goes to rising seniors with superior academic records.
Eaton Foundation Scholarships
Winners: Alexia Ross, Kylie Fronczak
This merit-based scholarship supports SMPA seniors in the combined degree program.
Eaton Service Prize
Winners: Olivia Osborne, Kalyn Womack, Zoya Ansari
Committed to classmates and community, SMPA students enrich the learning and living experience in many ways this prize is awarded to students who have made a special contribution to the life of SMPA.
Hoberman Prize
Winners: Rebekah Redwine, Paige Grande, Madeleine Deisen
SMPA students inspire the future. The prize was created by 2011 SMPA graduate Sarah Hoberman and her family. The merit-based award is given for original and meaningful journalism.
Freedman Family Scholarship
Winners: Thea Polsky, Abrigail Williams
This award was endowed by Michael Freedman. Preference is given to returning undergraduate students with financial need who aspire to be professional journalists.
Philip L. Graham Fund Scholarship for Diversity
Winner: Zeniya Cooley
True diversity and inclusion makes us stronger. This scholarship was named for the late publisher of The Washington Post and President of The Washington Post Company (now Graham Holdings Company). These awards support students from underrepresented groups.
Schneider-Taylor Scholarship
Winners: Olivia Dul
This award was established by the parents of a recent graduate. The scholarship provides financial support for SMPA underclassmen.
Dorothy and Will Roberts Prize
First-Prize Winners: Haley Hunt, Lizzie Stricklin, Hannah Sturgis
Honorable Mentions: Brittney Ho, Sarah Roach, Alec Rich, Alison Gentry
This prize was created by Professor Steven Roberts in the name of his parents. The prize honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, professional promise and community service.
Sherman Page Allen Scholarships
Winners: Zachary Nosanchuk, Era Atre, Isha Trivedi, Jessica Nix, Catherine Morris
This scholarship supports students with a desire to specialize in the field of journalism. The scholarship was endowed in 1966 through a bequest from the estate of Violet B. Robinson.
Gridiron Foundation Scholarships
Winners: Catherine Burgan, Kate Carpenter, Katelyn Marie Aluise, Lauren Nixon, Michael Kohler, Jess Makler
SMPA fosters exceptional experiential learning. Created in 1975 by the Gridiron, a long-standing organization of Washington-based journalists, these merit-based awards are open to first years, sophomores and juniors, and consideration given to financial need and minority status.
Essary Prize
Winners: Abi Cole, Lizzie Stricklin, Hana Hancock
Quality journalism is an essential ingredient of an informed public and a healthy democracy. The oldest SMPA prize was created in 1948 to honor the memory of Jesse Frederick Essary, an American journalist who was part of the White House press corps in the decades before the Second World War. This award goes to a student who has given a promise of sound citizenship and ability in “forthright reporting.”
SMPA Career Action Network Internship Fund Prizes
Winner: Sejal Govindarao
Internships are an essential step on the ladder of learning and professional success. The SMPA Career Action Network (SMPA CAN) Fund supports rising seniors who might not otherwise be able to afford their internships in media and journalism. The Career Access Network is comprised of two named funds.
Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research Prizes
Winners: Kylie Fronczak
Named in honor of two legendary SMPA faculty members, the Manheim-Sterling Undergraduate Research Prizes are designed to support and encourage outstanding mentored undergraduate research and creative work in the School of Media and Public Affairs.