Join us as we celebrate the 2026 recipients of scholarships from the Akron Press Club, the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund and the Sojourner Truth Education Committee during a special luncheon at Greystone Hall on Friday, April 24.
The scholarships are given to students studying journalism, communications or public relations and marketing. Each scholarship is $5,000.
"It's always inspiring to hear from the promising future journalists and public relation professionals who receive these scholarships," said Akron Press Club President Cheryl Powell, executive editor of the Akron Beacon Journal. "The Press Club is proud to play a role in ensuring the future of local journalism through our involvement in the scholarship program."
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Registration deadline: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch begins at noon. Program follows.
Location: Greystone Hall, 103 S. High Street in downtown Akron
Cost: $35 per person; $350 for table of 10
Reservations: Online or email akronpressclub@gmail.com
Cancellations: Cancellation requests must be received no later than 48 hours before the event. After that time, there will be no refunds and an invoice will be issued for payment.
The 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship is a collaboration between Sojourner Truth Education Committee and the Akron Press Club. The scholarship honors renowned women’s rights activist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth, who made her historic speech known as “Ain’t I A Woman?” in Akron on May 29, 1851. This year’s scholar is:
- Brianna Ellerson-Dyer of Firestone CLC
Five area college students were selected for scholarships in memory of longtime Akron Beacon Journal editor John S. Knight. This year’s Knight scholars are:
- Lillian Glaze, Kent State University
- Mallory Hughes, Kent State University
- Haley Reedy, Kent State University
- Hailey Sanford, University of Missouri
- Olivia Weber, Kent State University
One student received the Russ Pry scholarship from the Akron Press Club, named in honor of the Summit County executive who died in 2016. He supported the Press Club through his annual State of the County speech. Current Executive Ilene Shapiro continues that tradition. The Press Club sincerely thanks Summit County for its generous donation to our scholarship fund. This year’s Russ Pry scholar is:
- Alyssa Cocchiola, Walsh University
One student received the Ludel Sauvageot scholarship from the Akron Press Club. Ludel Sauvageot was a respected professional in public relations for more than 65 years. She was a longtime Press Club member, and an award-winning journalist, author and educator. This year’s Ludel Sauvageot scholar is:
- Avery St. George, Ohio University
One Akron Press Club scholarship is made possible by Elizabeth Bartz, president and chief executive officer of State and Federal Communications. This year’s Elizabeth Bartz scholar is:
- Savannah Carroll, Kent State University
Through the generosity of Dr. Aileen Thong, a retired U.S. Army physician, in tribute to her father, the late Louis Gitsin Thong, the Akron Press Club awarded two scholarships. This year’s Thong scholars are:
- Natalie Putz, American University
- Haley Zugaro, The Ohio State University
One Akron Press Club scholarship is made possible by Bruce Winges, retired editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, president of the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund and past president of the Akron Press Club. This year’s Bruce Winges scholar is:
- Sofia Helena, Kent State University
Proceeds from Akron Press Club events fund scholarships for journalism and public relations students. Between the Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund, scholarships of $5,000 were awarded to nine students in 2025. The Press Club sincerely thanks Summit County, Dr. Aileen Thong and Elizabeth Bartz for their donations to the scholarship fund. The Press Club also partnered with Sojourner Truth Education Committee to award two scholarships to Akron Public Schools graduating seniors.