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National Press Club Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients

On June 6, 2025, the National Press Club, a prestigious organization that champions the rights and craft of journalists worldwide, unveiled its scholarship recipients for the year 2025. This initiative is designed to nurture and sustain the careers of promising journalists who show potential in serving their communities through impactful storytelling. Here’s a closer look at the selected candidates who stand out for their commitment and impressive achievements:

1. Catherine Deborah (CD) Davidson-Hiers

Catherine is honored with the Dennis and Shirley Feldman Fellowship. As an environmental journalist pursuing her graduate studies at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications, she has made significant strides in fostering a new generation of writers. In 2020, she founded the Florida Student News Watch, a platform that encourages mentorship among aspiring writers. In addition, she takes on the role of membership resources coordinator at the Education Writers Association, further supporting educational journalism.

2. Anjolina Fantaroni

Recognized with the Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship, Anjolina is a rising senior at Elon University, serving as the broadcast news director and multimedia reporter for the Elon News Network. Her remarkable coverage of Hurricane Helene earned her first place in the 'Best Crisis Coverage' category by the College Media Association, exemplifying her journalistic talents and dedication to reporting on critical events.

3. Antara Gangwal

Awarded the Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo, Antara participated in the Mosaic Journalism Program in the summer of 2024. Her investigative work during the previous summer at the School of the New York Times focused on pressing issues related to climate change and the environment, showcasing her passion for journalism that impacts societal change.

4. Jacqueline Munis

The Lewis Scholarship, which supports a student journalist of color interning in Washington, D.C., goes to Jacqueline Munis. Soon to graduate from Stanford University, she has secured a summer internship with POLITICO. At the Stanford Daily, Jacqueline revitalized an equity-focused news desk, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities within the university. Her commitment to diversity in journalism is commendable.

5. Sonja Woerner

Sonja, recognized with the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship designated for high school seniors, serves as the editor-in-chief of her school's newspaper, The Torch. Under her leadership, the publication has garnered various accolades at both state and national levels. Recently named 'Writer of the Year' by the Iowa High School Press Association, Sonja is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, highlighting her academic and journalistic excellence.

The scholarships administered by the National Press Club Journalism Institute are a testament to the organization's dedication to fostering a free press and encouraging new voices in journalism. Supporting such initiatives is vital in cultivating informed citizenry and a robust democracy. For those interested in contributing to these student-focused programs, donations can be made through the National Press Club Journalism Institute’s website.

About the National Press Club

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is recognized as the foremost professional association for journalists, boasting nearly 3,000 members from prominent news organizations across the globe. Engaging in diverse activities that promote freedoms of the press and the importance of journalism in democratic societies is central to their mission.

For further inquiries or support, please reach out to Beth Francesco, Executive Director of the National Press Club Journalism Institute.