This year's scholarship winner is Olivia Barone of North Scituate, a freshman at Rhode Island College pursuing an English bachelor’s degree with a focus in creative writing. Shortly after becoming a student, she joined the staff of the college newspaper, The Anchor, where she has been writing weekly arts and entertainment columns.

    In her scholarship submission, Olivia shared that her interest in journalism goes beyond exercising her skills as a writer. Each article is a way to convey her passion and invite others on a journey of exploration. She said the scholarship will help her finish her degree and propel her toward being the writer she wants to be.

` Each year, the Rhode Island Press Association seeks applications for its annual $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding Rhode Island high school senior or college student preparing for a career in journalism.

    Students need not be majoring in journalism to be eligible. Instead, judges are looking for academic achievement and a demonstrated interest in journalism, such as work on school or community newspapers.

    Nominees must be residents of Rhode Island, attending or accepted to any Rhode Island college or university who are entering the 2022-23 academic year, or full-time graduate students. The scholarship money is paid directly to the student.

    A panel of editors and journalists judges the nominations. 

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