Indiana University School of Journalism

Photo by James Brosher

Natalie Avon

As a senior in high school in Evansville, Natalie Avon wanted to do only one thing: Write for the Indiana Daily Student.

She got that chance with the help of the David E. and Ruth (Padget) Albright Writing Scholarship from the IU School of Journalism.

“J-school scholarships really help,” she said. “I don’t have to get another job and I can focus more on school and the IDS.”

When she got to IU, she was an IDS opinion columnist her first semester, but gradually transitioned into writing. Her first summer home she got a broadcast internship.

She was the assistant design chief for Weekend magazine during the first semester of her sophomore year but moved up to design director in spring 2007.

As an Ernie Pyle Scholar, Avon went to London the summer after her sophomore year and interned at a magazine there. She went on to become the campus editor of the IDS and is currently serving as the managing editor. She will take the IDS’ top spot, editor-in-chief, in fall 2009.

After she graduates, she hopes to go to law school.

—By Sara Amato

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Kamilla Benko

Freshman Kamilla Benko attend IU’s High School Journalism Institute the summer before her senior year in high school. The program allowed Benko to a sneak peek at life at IU, as well as journalism.

But it wasn’t until Benko discovered IU’s Ernie Pyle Scholars program when she realized the prestige associated with IU and journalism. The Indianapolis native applied, and was accepted, and Benko said as a result of earning a place in the scholars program, she knew she would attend IU.

Benko also received a Cox Research Scholarship, which allows her to work with a professor to assist in research. Benko currently works with journalism professor Shannon Martin, working with her on projects and various other research tasks.

“I really like all the opportunities I have been given,” Benko said. “I’ve been able to meet a lot of interesting people.”

In high school, Benko worked on her high school’s newspaper for two years. During her junior year she was a reporter and features editor. After Benko attended HSJI, she returned to her high school as a design editor and redesigned her high school’s paper.

“I love writing and I love designing,” Benko said. “There are so many different ways to express yourself in media.”

This summer, Benko will be interning at the Criterion in Indianapolis, a Catholic newspaper.

–By Shannon McEnerney

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Amy Bishop

Freshman Amy Bishop had a choice to make during her senior year of high school. The New Albany, Ind., native had to choose between attending IU or Ball State University for journalism.

When she was accepted into IU’s School of Journalism Ernie Pyle Scholars program, the choice was clear.

“I made the right decision by coming to IU,” Bishop said. “The school offers so many different programs and there are many different aspects.”

She also received the J.E. O’Brien scholarship to aid in the cost of her tuition.

So far, Bishop said she has enjoyed the honors program, as it has made IU smaller. In high school, Bishop worked on her high school’s paper before becoming the editor-in-chief.

“I really enjoy news and the investigative side of journalism,” she said. “I like finding out things before anyone else knows and then making people aware of those things that they need and want to know.”

Bishop knows she wants to make a difference. She said she, as well as the other Ernie Pyle Scholars, all want to make a difference through the realm of media.

Bishop is currently getting involved with the Indiana Daily Student. She said she likes how IU student media offers many areas for those interested in journalism, such as working at the Indiana Daily Student, yearbooks, magazines or other outlets.

“I know people who didn’t do it in high school and are transitioning into it now, and IU makes it easy for students to get involved,” Bishop said.

–By Shannon McEnerney

Photo by James Brosher

Stephanie Doctrow

When freshman Stephanie Doctrow started writing for her high school’s newspaper, she knew it was something she wanted to continue to pursue.

“It is a good way to write and share what you feel with others,” Doctrow said about journalism.

The Louisville native said she always wanted to attend IU, mentioning that IU is “a family tradition” because her mother and her mother’s siblings attended.

But having the School of Journalism at IU was like having “the best of both worlds.”

Doctrow was leaning between IU and the University of Kentucky when she received a brochure in the mail to apply for the IU School of Journalism’s Ernie Pyle Scholars program. She applied and was accepted.

After that, her decision to attend IU was sealed, and Doctrow also received a School of Journalism scholarship for $2,000 to assist with her out-of-state tuition.

The community atmosphere IU provides is what Doctrow loves.

“The staff works hard to provide opportunities and everyone wants to help you succeed,” she said, mentioning the guest speakers that IU journalism faculty invite to classes.

For Doctrow’s Ernie Pyle Scholar class, she said there is a “great sense of community,” as everyone takes classes and trips together. Doctrow also said that professor Lisa Hatley Major will be the Ernie Pyle Scholar class of 2012’s adviser for the next four years.

“It’s great to have someone to talk to about things, someone who is there especially for you,” Doctrow said.

Doctrow also decided to live in the Media Living-Learning Center, which is housed in Read Center residence hall. She said a few of the other Ernie Pyle Scholars live with her too, and it’s nice to live on a dorm floor with other students who share similar interests, furthering the sense of community Doctrow receives at IU.

Doctrow currently writes for the Indiana Daily Student, and she hopes to further her experience with writing and editing. She also said she wants to learn more skills in the technology realm so she can be more marketable.

“I want to learn a bit of everything,” Doctrow said. “The direction of journalism is changing.”

–By Shannon McEnerney

Photo by James Brosher

Alex Farris

Alex Farris’ best friend is a camera.

With the help of the Jack Scott Scholarship, Farris got a chance to bring his best friend to college with him.

The Jack Scott Scholarship is awarded to an Indiana resident student who is pursuing journalism.

“The scholarship makes your parents appreciate you more,” Farris joked.

He said the scholarship helps because as a student, he doesn’t have to worry about the extra work in getting a job to pay off loans.

Starting in high school, Farris began shooting photos for the school’s yearbook and newspaper.

During Farris’ second semester his freshman year, he sent a photo of Barack Obama kissing a baby to the Indiana Daily Student. He offered it to the IDS editor to use as a courtesy photo. That success convinced him to apply for a job as a photographer at the IDS.

Aside from taking photos for the IDS, Farris is taking senior portraits for people at his high school. An Ernie Pyle Scholar, he spent the eight weeks in London working as an intern through the Summer in London program.

–By Sara Amato

Photo by James Brosher

Sarah Hutchins

With the help if the Richard Gray Scholarship, sophomore Sarah Hutchins’ college choice was clear: IU was the most affordable even for out-of-state students.

Hutchins, a St. Louis native, is no stranger to journalism and she hasn’t been afraid to tackle new things since arriving on IU’s campus.

Her freshman year, Hutchins launched herself into the Indiana Daily Student, writing for the various desks. Her second semester, she held a beat for the campus desk.

The summer after her freshman year, she interned at the Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis before returning to IU and the IDS as the features/special projects editor. As she was editing, she was also writing for UWire’s Youth Vote ’08 blog for the 2008 presidential election.

Hutchins, also an Ernie Pyle Scholar, is currently the features assistant for INside magazine. She spend summer 2009 as an intern in London as part of the Summer in London program.

–By Sara Amato

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Kyla King

Senior Kyla King has spent almost four years at IU, with only a few remaining months left. As one of the School of Journalism’s Justin M. Druck scholars, King said receiving the scholarship four years ago solidified her decision to attend IU and opened many doors for her and her career in journalism.

As a senior in high school, King said she applied for the Wells Scholarship and came down one weekend for one of the finalist interviews. During this occasion, she met the dean of the School of Journalism.

King didn’t receive a Wells scholarship, but when the opportunity came up to apply for a Druck scholarship, King said she was notified of it through the School of Journalism’s dean because he knew she was interested in journalism. She received one of the Druck scholarships, and since then, King said the doors that have been opened for her have been beyond her expectations.

“I love the individual attention you get at the School of Journalism,” the Indiana native said. “I have professors who will e-mail me about things if they are reminded of me when they come across them.”

King said her roommate, who is a biology major, always comments to her about how much of a close relationship she receives in the Journalism school.

“I know you don’t get that in other programs as much,” King said. “IU has been incredible. What doesn’t IU offer?”

Because of the Druck scholarship she received, King said that she has had many opportunities to do things she wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. She was able to study abroad in Florence, Italy, for a semester, and she found support in searching for an internship.

“It’s blown me away with how much the School of Journalism has supported me, not only financially, but through staff support and finding anything I might need,” King said.

King has also maintained a close relationship over the years with her scholarship donor’s family. Meeting with the family has put a “personal touch” on the scholarship, King said. Because of the personal connections, King said she knows the scholarship is much more than a check.

Currently, King is looking for a job. She has held internships at Bay Harbor Properties and at a public relations firm in London. King would like to further pursue international communications as well.

“I am leaps and bounds ahead of my peers as far as writing and communication skills because of the journalism program,” she said.

–By Shannon McEnerney

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Clare Krusing

Senior Clare Krusing has really given back to IU.

Throughout the last four years, Krusing has served as assistant executive director for IU Student Television, executive director for IUSTV, and she’s worked for Campus Source and the Indiana Daily Student. Krusing also is an IU School of Journalism Ernie Pyle Scholar and a member of Delta Gamma.

And she says has the IU School of Journalism to thank for making that possible.

Krusing is the recipient of the Dick Yoakam Broadcast Journalism Scholarship and with the help of that money, college became much more affordable to her.

Hailing from St. Louis, Krusing knew that IU was the place for her. She cited the environment at IU, especially the Journalism School, as a draw.

“It’s been a great home for four years,” she said.

Krusing explained how her parents are paying out of pocket for tuition but, despite the expenses, it’s worth it. She said she feels the journalism school really values its students.

“It’s not the scholarship,” she said. “It’s the service that makes you be successful.”

Krusing is currently an athletic tutor through the IU Athletic Department. She’s traveled abroad with classes and with the Summer in London program.

–By Sara Amato

Photo by James Brosher

CJ Lotz

C.J. Lotz had an important decision to make her senior year of high school.

A native of St. Louis, Lotz considered the well-regarded journalism program at the University of Missouri. After checking out UM and other schools around the country, Lotz decided that Indiana University was the journalism school for her.

“IU is much more personal,” Lotz said. “No other school had the same combination of Midwest spunk and rigorous academic expectations for its students.”

Coming to IU in 2007, Lotz is part of the second class of Ernie Pyle Scholars, the IU School of Journalism honors program that provides these students with programs, scholarships and internships.

Before entering college, Lotz had a rich background in journalism, serving as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper, as well as writing for the yearbook. She wrote high school theater reviews for the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

And once Lotz arrived on campus, she dove right into journalism. She was a copy editor and writer for the IDS her first year at IU. The summer after her freshman year, she had an internship in North Carolina at the Franklin Press. She was the assistant copy chief for the Indiana Daily Student in fall 2008 and was the department’s editor for INside magazine.

Lotz also interned in London as a member of the Summer in London program.

–By Sara Amato

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Tim Solon

Not many students can say they’ve started their own Web site based on their love for Indiana University athletics.

Junior Tim Solon can. Hailing from the southside of Fort Wayne, Ind., Solon is a School of Journalism Ernie Pyle Scholar and Ambassador, and is an IU Hudson Holland Scholar. During Solon’s sophomore year, he started IU Planet, a Web site dedicated to everything IU.

Even though it’s now inactive, Solon translated his skills into an internship as part of the School of Journalism’s Summer in London program. Based on his Web experience, he worked for a company, London-based Euro News, on a Web site project about the environment.

Solon said being a part of programs such as Ernie Pyle Scholars means he’s much more involved in activities at the school. He spent spring break with his peers attending workshops and listening to speakers at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., for example.

“It gives me a lot of opportunities I don’t think I’d have otherwise,” he said.

–Sara Amato

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Brian Welk

Freshman Brian Welk remembers his senior year in high school when he was debating between colleges. IU was one of them, and so was the University of Illinois. The Addison, Ill., native didn’t know which college to chose, but IU’s School of Journalism made the decision easier on the aspiring film critic and journalist.

Welk said he knew IU’s School of Journalism was accredited and well-recognized, but when he received admission to the journalism school’s Ernie Pyle Scholars honors program, he said he knew from that moment forward that IU would “devote a lot more attention to my success.”

Besides earning a spot in the scholars program, Welk also received the Mark and Ruth Ferree Scholarship for $1,000.

Welk said his decision to attend IU was mostly due to the support he received from the school.

“That is what I like about IU,” he said. “It’s very personal, everyone is friendly, and it’s not like you are a number.” Welk said that compared to IU, he would be just “another kid” if he went to the University of Illinois.

The former editor-in-chief of his high school’s newspaper, the Addison Trail Torch, said he aspires to be like his hero, Roger Ebert. If it is a possibility, Welk said he would still like to be a reviewer, as he has been writing movie reviews since his sophomore year in high school.

He is currently on staff at IU’s newspaper the Indiana Daily Student, where he has written movie reviews for Weekend magazine, as well as some general articles for newspaper.

Welk said that he hopes to earn an internship the summer after his sophomore year. Until then, he will continue writing for the IDS.

“I have no intention of giving up,” he said. “I really enjoy the process of writing and getting my opinions out there in a formal setting.”

 – By Shannon McEnerney

Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Tessa Wilhelm

In her senior year of high school, current IU freshman Tessa Wilhelm applied for the School of Journalism’s Ernie Pyle Scholar honors program. After she applied, the Stelle, Ill., native said she wasn’t sure where she was going to go if she didn’t earn a spot in the scholars program, but when she did, she also received the John F. McLeod scholarship, which helped reduce some of her out-of-state tuition costs.

Wilhelm, who comes from a small town with about a 100 people, says that IU allows her to experience diversity.

“A lot of people say IU isn’t diverse, but for me it is, and meeting people with different backgrounds is fantastic,” Wilhelm said.

With her Ernie Pyle Scholar’s class, Wilhelm said she and her classmates go to dinners together and hang out all the time.

“It has been fun to learn and form friendships with people you are learning new things with,” she said.

In high school, Wilhelm was a member of her yearbook staff and was on the team council for the
local newspaper, the Daily Journal.

“What I love most about journalism is it’s a way to spread knowledge to people,” Wilhelm said. “Because of journalism, people can stay informed and through the information received, they can make informed judgments about their own lives.”

Wilhelm is starting her involvement with the Indiana Daily Student and is applying for an internship with WFIU. She said she wants to get involved with radio broadcast, and working with National Public Radio is her ultimate career goal.

–By Shannon McEnerney