Recently, sophomore Hannah Chen was rewarded with a 300-dollar scholarship to attend a journalism summer camp at the University of Florida (UF). Chen has been a part of journalism for her entire time at Steinbrenner and in middle school as well. 

“I’ve been in journalism since seventh grade at Martinez Middle School, and I was the editor in chief at Martinez my eighth-grade year, and am currently editor in chief at Steinbrenner,” said Chen. 

Chen’s credentials are clearly shown, as well as her passion for journalism, which is exactly what she discussed in her essay when she applied for the scholarship.  

Even though it’s just a part of the sum of the scholarship money, Chen is thankful for what she was able to receive. 

“I was working on the yearbook late at night when I received the email. I felt really happy and overall grateful that I was able to win even just a partial scholarship,” said Chen. 

The summer camp that she will be attending is called the UF Summer Media Institiute on the college campus itself. Originally, the price of the camp was at a hefty 850-dollar price tag. But in working closely with Cady Studios throughout the entire school year, they graciously granted Chen an additional 500 dollars to use towards the camp on top of the 300 dollar scholarship already established. So, the total sum was eventually reduced to only 99 dollars out of pocket. 

At the actual camp itself, Chen will be able to expand her journalism abilities through workshops that include photojournalism and news writing. The camp will flow much like the field trip that journalism students go on called Florida Scholastic Press Association, as the summer camp will also have keynote speakers. 

“The camp focuses on intense courses to teach us more deeply about the importance and hone the skills of journalism,” said Chen. 

This summer will be Chen’s first time attending the camp, and she hopes to learn and achieve a lot more to bring back to next year’s yearbook and journalism program!