BJASC continued its tradition of supporting promising journalists by awarding scholarships to four college students at its annual reception.

The event marked a milestone for the organization – over the past 29 years, it has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to college students.

The 2009 recipients received their awards in mid-December at a reception held at the historic Wilfandel House in L.A.’s West Adams district. This year’s winners are:

Harry Gore
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
ANDREA FORD SCHOLARSHIP

Elijah Harris
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BJASC SCHOLARSHIP

Leah Uko
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
LARRY McCORMICK SCHOLARSHIP

Ashley Williams
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
PAT TOBIN SCHOLARSHIP

Family, friends, community supporters and members attended the festive event.

Applicants had to interview an African-American journalist and write a profile. Students also submitted two letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Finalists were interviewed by the BJASC scholarship panel. Scholarship recipients and the amount of the awards were determined by members of the scholarship committee. This year, more than $5,500 in scholarships were given to the four students. Three of the scholarships are named in honor of former journalists and members: Andrea Ford, the late L.A. Times reporter, Larry McCormick, former KTLA anchor, and Pat Tobin, the late beloved member and friend of BJASC. The Pat Tobin scholarship was presented by Pat’s daughter, Lauren Tobin.

Newly elected president Beverly White congratulated recipients and encouraged guests to support BJASC and its programs. James Westbrook, district director for State Sen. Curren Price, provided certificates of recognition for the four scholarship winners. Theresa Price of the Black College Expo and CBS corresponden Bill Whitaker were among the attendees. Lois Pitter Bruce, scholarship chairperson, served as mistress of ceremonies at the reception. The event ended with the group’s traditional holiday gift drawing.

BJASC extends sincere thanks to Union Bank, Victor Webb, Kathy Leverett and Sharon Woodson-Bryant who made donations to the scholarship fund. Special thanks to Bev White, Lisa Cox, Veronica Hendrix, Julie Johns, Pamela Johnson for donating gifts and/or serving on the scholarship panel.