Past Student Diversity Champion Award Winners
About the Student Diversity Champion Award
Beginning in 2022, the PNA Foundation and The Lenfest Institute joined forces to sponsor a Diverse Student Journalist Awards program as part of the Student Keystone Media Awards Contest. In our continuing efforts to recognize, improve and impact diversity, equity and inclusion, this special award honors talented college and high school student journalists, of diverse backgrounds, for outstanding contributions to their newsrooms. Our hope is that the $500 cash award as well as the special recognition will encourage their continued studies and future careers in journalism.
Past Student Diversity Champion Award Winners
This special award, sponsored by The Lenfest Institute, recognizes a talented college student journalist, of a diverse background, for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, factors such as: ancestry, color, disability or handicap, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, veteran status and economic status.
2022 College Winner (View the Press Release):
Alisha Tarver
Penn State Greater Allegheny – The GA-Zette
“Alisha used her background and her life’s experiences to encourage others on campus to not only tell their stories to her so she could report them, but she also gave other students the strength and the confidence to become part of the editorial team that kept journalism alive. As a columnist, Alisha was open in sharing the challenges and issues that relate to Black women and their overall health and well-being, including her own.”
From Alisha’s nomination letter submitted by
Rosemary Martinelli, Faculty Adviser,
The GA-Zette, Penn State Greater Allegheny
This special award, sponsored by the PNA Foundation, recognizes a talented high school student journalist, of a diverse background, for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, factors such as: ancestry, color, disability or handicap, race, religious creed, sexual orientation and economic status.
2022 High School Winner (View the Press Release):
Owen Levan-Uhler
Northern Lehigh High School – The Slate
“Owen ‘came out’ in an article last year when he mentioned being part of “our community” in his column about Pride. For being a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, it is hopeful to see someone like Owen fighting for what he believes to be just in our world – for his own future. I can only imagine where his dedication, determination and “gusto” for social justice take him”.
From Owen’s nomination letter submitted by
Christopher Barnes, English/Journalism Teacher &
Managing Adviser, The Slate, Northern Lehigh High School
Questions? Email the PNA Foundation.