The Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award

The Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award

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Managed for decades through the Pennsylvania Associated Press Media Editors (PAPME), the Ralph Flamminio Memorial Scholarship joined the Student Keystone Media Awards in 2023 as the Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award. The award is named after the late Ralph Flamminio, a former Morning Call and Coatesville Record editor. It salutes an outstanding Pennsylvania college student who best displays the ideals of Flamminio – passionate about journalism and the First Amendment, and a champion for a better-informed citizenry.

Learn more about Ralph Flamminio.


About The Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award

This special award recognizes a talented college student journalist for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Entrant must be a PA resident, enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (journalism major not necessary), pursuing a career in media and active in journalism on campus (broadcast, print, multimedia or digital). Entry should include up to fi ve examples of work produced and published in 2023. Could include stories, photos, videos, special projects, and use of various platforms. Entries can also be submitted in other contest categories. Entries will be judged together for overall excellence. A cover letter describing yourself, your interest or experience in journalism, and what you hope to contribute to the craft of journalism and career ambitions is required. Also, a letter of recommendation from your school’s faculty news adviser or professor is required. There is no limit on the number of entries from any news organization or journalist; however, no more than two awards will be given each year, at the judges’ discretion. Winner(s) will receive a framed certificate and a $500 cash award.

2024 Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award Winner
sponsored by the Pennsylvania News Leaders Association (PNLA) & the PNA Foundation

Sami Mirza
Allegheny College – The Campus

View Sami’s work

“Sami has almost literally done it all — and he has done it all at a professional level from virtually the moment he walked through the newsroom door. He covers any story that needs covering and he consistently writes well. His stories are polished, fair and interesting. He has also reported on the most important issues confronting the campus community.”

From the nomination letter submitted by
Mark Crowley
Part-time assistant professor of journalism for Allegheny College & News Reporter, The Meadville Tribune

Past Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award Winners

2023 Ralph Flamminio Memorial Award Winner
sponsored by the PNA Foundation

Alexandra Ross
University of Pittsburgh – The Pitt News

View Alexandra’s work

“In the past several months, Alexandra (Ally) Ross has become the heartbeat of the reporting staff at The Pitt News, a reporter whom editors can summon to do anything, anywhere, anytime on campus. Just consider the range of her work since September alone: stories about nonprofit payments in lieu of taxes, a climate strike, relaxing pandemic rules, electoral politics and more. Her coverage of a protest about safety and sexual assault on campus was especially impressive. Her work has even drawn the attention of a former Pitt News editor in chief who now covers the Justice Department for cnn.com.” 

From the nomination letter submitted by
Harry Kloman
News Adviser, The Pitt News
Instructor, English Department – University of Pittsburgh

Questions?  Email the PNA Foundation.

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