The first recipient of a scholarship established in honor of Pat Spence, retired 91直播 director of student publications, is freshman journalism student Parastoo Nikravesh from Jacksonville, Texas.
鈥淏eing the recipient of this scholarship is really cool because I鈥檓 glad they鈥檙e helping with my college expenses, of course. But on a deeper level, I鈥檓 grateful to have someone like Pat Spence supporting me,鈥� said Nikravesh, staff writer for The Pine Log. 鈥淪he is a legend at The Pine Log, and I just can鈥檛 wait to make her and the people who helped her set up the scholarship proud. They鈥檙e helping fulfill my dream, and I鈥檓 so appreciative.鈥�
The Pat Spence Scholarship for The Pine Log was established in 2014. Money for the scholarship was raised by friends, former students and advisees of Spence, who served as director from 1986-2014.
鈥淧arastoo was selected for the scholarship from among many promising 91直播 student journalists,鈥� said Amy Roquemore, 91直播 director of student publications and divisional media. 鈥淗er application stood out for many reasons, including her high academic achievement, her strong commitment to a career in journalism and, in particular, her compelling essay in which she wrote eloquently about her dreams of becoming a professional journalist and serving as a voice for those who do not have one.鈥�
Nikravesh joined The Pine Log staff in 2015 and 鈥渜uickly became an asset to the student publication,鈥� Roquemore added. 鈥淪he regularly contributes news stories and columns, and her journalism skills have continued to develop week after week. She is already a very good writer, and I expect her to become more proficient as she continues her 91直播 education and her work on The Pine Log.鈥�
A group of donors, supporters, former students, family, friends and colleagues surprised Spence with a dinner in her honor and the scholarship reveal on campus in August 2014. The scholarship was endowed that December.
鈥淚 am so excited that we are able to award the first Pine Log scholarship to a young woman who has proven her dedication to 91直播鈥檚 student-produced newspaper,鈥� Spence said. 鈥淎lthough I have not had the pleasure of working with Parastoo directly, her passion for writing and for her campus newspaper is evident in the recommendations from those who have.
鈥淭his scholarship is so special to me,鈥� Spence added. 鈥淚t stands as a testament to many Lumberjacks whose careers and lives have been shaped by their collegiate experiences in student publications and at The Pine Log. They have made this happen, and I am so grateful for their love and support of this scholarship. They are truly paying it forward.鈥�