Marissa Beste, from Carleton Mich., has been selected for the community journalism scholarship by the board of directors of the MPA. The MPA conducts the program to enhance interest in the students of journalism and aid their education.
"This scholarship will help me to continue my journalism education at EMU, and I am so grateful to have been chosen to receive it," Beste said, according to the university's press statement.
Beste will receive a $1000 check, and a plaque and will be introduced to Michigan media professionals and legislators during the Governor's Luncheon at the MPA Convention this month, said the university.
Beste is currently majoring in journalism and English. Meanwhile, she works for The Eastern Echo as copy editor.
The MPA foundation was introduced in 1980 to further the interests of community journalism in Michigan, according to the MPA website.
"When there are smart, influential people in your field who think you've got the potential to do something great in something you really care about, it is very inspiring and encouraging," said an overwhelmed Beste
"The people I chose to write my letters were those who influenced my desire to keep working in journalism, a field that once overwhelmed me, and still sometimes does, but I couldn't imagine doing anything else," she said.
Beste nurtures a passion for journalism. She aspires to make it big in the industry. "Journalism is where I belong. I absolutely love my job at the Echo. I love the people, the work and the overall atmosphere. We are a great team and we all genuinely enjoy what we do," she concluded.
The main goals of the MPA foundation program also include serving public interest by encouraging, fostering and aiding improvement in the quality, vigor and fairness of journalism and a free press in the state of Michigan.
