From its founding in 1946, Fort Worth SPJ has assisted young journalists in their pursuit of an education. The chapter administers three college scholarship programs through its Texas Gridiron Endowment Fund — the Gridiron (scholarships named in honor of Texas journalists, plus a general scholarship), the Lina Davis and the Jay Milner.
Judges evaluate ability, financial need and career potential. Scholarships generally range from $500 to $3,000, but judges reserve the right to adjust scholarship amounts, place applicants in appropriate categories, and to not give every named scholarship every year.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
Donna Darovich $1,500
Recognizes excellence in writing across all sections — news, arts, lifestyle, people stories. As a Star-Telegram reporter, Donna Darovich won consecutive feature-writing first places in Associated Press Managing Editors competitions. Texas Press Women twice named her the state’s Most Outstanding Woman Journalist.
Jerry Flemmons $1,000
Jerry Flemmons excelled at features. This scholarship rewards outstanding feature writing.
Joe Holstead $1,000
Recognizes superior broadcast journalism. Texas Radio Hall of Fame member Joe Holstead was one of Fort Worth-Dallas’ most revered news personalities.
Staley and Beverly McBrayer $2,000
Recognizes excellence in college student media or as an intern with a professional news organization. This is considered Fort Worth SPJ’s Most Valuable Player award. Staley McBrayer marketed the offset press, which revolutionized the printing industry.
Al Panzera $1,000
Recognizes outstanding photojournalism. Star-Telegram photographer Al Panzera designed “Big Bertha,” a 4×5 Graflex telephoto camera customized for sports.
Jack B. Tinsley $1,500
Recognizes excellence in opinion writing such as columns and editorials. Jack Tinsley was Star-Telegram executive editor from 1975 to 1986 and led the paper to two Pulitzer Prizes.
LINA DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP $2,000
Honors the memory of longtime Arlington, Texas, educator and mentor Lina Davis, a progressive and nurturing journalism teacher at Sam Houston and Arlington high schools. Several Lina Davis Scholarships may be awarded each year.
JAY MILNER SCHOLARSHIP $1,000
This scholarship is intended for students with great financial need. It celebrates the contributions to journalism and journalism education of author/teacher Jay Milner, who is perhaps best known for his “Confessions of a Maddog: A Romp Through the High-Flying Texas Music and Literary Era of the Fifties to the Seventies.”