In an atmosphere of "fake news" accusations and evidence of opinion articles masquerading as objective news reporting, it is refreshing to see youthful commitment to excellence in journalism. What is even better is when that excellence - and its even greater raw potential - is rewarded with an academic scholarship.
Adam Zangari of Lincoln, RI, has been selected to receive a Rhode Island PBS Foundation Scholarship for high school seniors or college students pursuing a career in broadcasting, communications or journalism. The award – up to $15,000 – is renewable for up to four years.
“Adam reflects all of the traits we hoped to find in a candidate,” said David W. Piccerelli, president of Rhode Island PBS. “He demonstrates a clear dedication to the field of journalism.”
Mr. Zangari was selected from 53 applicants from the station’s broadcast area in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Beyond his stellar academic record, Adam’s qualities and achievements combined to reveal remarkable maturity and strong leadership. Those indicators of career success set his application apart in a field of highly qualified candidates,” said Mr. Piccerelli.
“This award really does mean a lot to me as someone planning to go into the field of journalism. I'm honored and humbled by the recognition and the scholarship from Rhode Island PBS, which has had a prominent place for a while in Rhode Island media,” said Zangari, a 2019 graduate of Lincoln High School.
Mr. Zangari was the national Journalism Education Association’s 2019 Student Journalist of the Year in Rhode Island, editor-in-chief of the Lincoln High School student newspaper and selected to represent Rhode Island at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington. In addition, he competed on the basketball and track teams and was a member of the National Honor Society. He plans to major in journalism at the University of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island PBS also awarded a scholarship to Mary Lind of Lincoln. The University of Rhode Island sophomore is double majoring in journalism and criminal justice and serves as production manager on the student newspaper.
“Through my journalism classes and experience writing for the school paper, I found a voice that I didn’t know I had and a passion that would become my life,” Lind said. “I’m honored and humbled to have been recognized by the donors of this fund in such a way that will allow me to continue pursuing this passion and eventually make a career out of it.”
This is the second year Rhode Island PBS has awarded scholarships through a $1 million scholarship fund created at the Rhode Island Foundation. The selection was made by a review committee coordinated by the Rhode Island Foundation.
“We are privileged to work with donors like Rhode Island PBS that recognize the importance of investing in young people. The influence of Rhode Island PBS’s generosity will be felt for decades as these students begin their careers and become part of the civic life of their communities,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
Students had to submit an essay, a current academic transcript, a financial aid worksheet, proof of residency and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professional attesting to the applicant’s merit towards a successful career in broadcasting, communications or journalism.
For more information about applying for a Rhode Island PBS scholarship next year, visit rifoundation.org.
