Sydney Hencil is a Junior Mass Communications student with a concentration in Digital Technologies at Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga. She is currently a part of the Spirit Cheer Team, Editor in Chief for our student run newspaper The Alchemist, President of the International Club, writer for HerCampus Brenau and a part of the Tau Sigma Dance Fraternity. Sydney has also been involved with many projects with the Rotary Club of Gainesville and the Rotaract Club at Brenau. Sydney hopes to one day work in the broadcasting field in either Atlanta or in New York. Her dream job is to either work for CNN, WSB, or the BBC. Her life’s motto is “Go big or go home,” which means to her, always put in 100 percent, because that is the only way you would be able to reap the benefits.
Sho Irikawa is an Asian American nontraditional student who has a background in music and audio production. He has extensive experience in management and leadership positions from his near-decade of work in the private sector. Since returning to finish his schooling, Sho has earned an Associates in Accounting and Technical Studies in conjunction with a series of certifications from Columbus Technical College with a graduating GPA of 3.98. He is also an alumni member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and served on his chapter’s leadership council holding various roles up to and including President. He is completing a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Columbus State University and holds a 3.77 GPA. Sho has worked on projects that highlight experiences, perspectives, and voices from his community and surrounding world view, with an emphasis on perspective taking and presenting novel narratives.
Georgia Chambers is a senior at the University of Georgia studying Journalism with a certificate in Sports Media and a minor in Sports Management. Broadcast media is her focus, but she also has years of experience in writing as well. Georgia interned with WJLA ABC 7 News this spring in Washington, D.C. working with their I-Team and slipping over to the sports desk whenever she could. She is currently working with UGA’s college television station, Grady Newsource, and intern for Georgia Football’s recruiting program. When Georgia is not hitting the books and working on securing her degree, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
From the very beginning of Ereina Plunkett’s upbringing, her parents instilled in her a work ethic unlike any other. They would regurgitate the same quote that they heard on the radio upon first arriving in this country. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all love of what you are doing, or learning to do.” Both of Ereina’s parents made sure to engrave that saying every night like it was a prayer. Today, these words endure the test of time as Ereina utilizes them on an everyday basis. Ereina went through a journey of self-discovery, and resilience; from those that scoffed at her dreams of being a journalist. It wasn’t until she was true to herself that she began to realize that there is an art to good journalism. Today, she strives to become the best journalist she can by leaning into her passion to tell the story. She knows now that while every story might not spark widespread change, but her work as a journalist is instrumental in restoring hope, trust, and intrigue in the field. In doing so, Ereina hopes she can make her parents proud and show them her own love for what she is doing.
Nele Aline Langhof is a fourth-year student at the University of Georgia studying journalism and English. She is originally from Schwäbisch Hall, Germany and currently lives in Athens, Georgia. Her hobbies include reading Arthurian legends, teaching her dog how to bring her cookies from the kitchen table and writing about her (sometimes) decently articulated ideas.She focuses her course of study primarily in medieval literature and ancient language, specifically Old and Middle English. Journalistically, her areas of interest center in photojournalism and critical writing. She hopes to make a name for herself in the world of broadcast journalism, operating as a beacon of truth and democracy as well as an example for other young women to follow.
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters wanted to recognize the late Lanny Finch, our President Emeritus for his outstanding leadership, dedication and numerous contributions to the continued success of this association. Therefore, our scholarship program, benefiting both member stations and students, was reestablished in 2005. The association honored Lanny by creating The GAB E. Lanier (Lanny) Finch Scholarship Foundation.
The scholarships presented by the GAB Scholarship Foundation are in the amount of $1,500 each. Up to five scholarships may be awarded each year. Applicants must be registered as a full time student at a fully accredited college or university, a rising junior or senior studying for a degree in some aspect of the broadcasting industry and a bona fide resident of the state of Georgia.
The scholarship is presented each winter in the Hall of Fame luncheon. Due to COVID-19, the date and time have still not been decided. Please check this page again soon for more details.
