The Valley of the Sun Pro Chapter of SPJ has begun setting aside funds for an annual scholarship, to be presented each spring to a college student who is majoring in journalism. With the increase in college tuition and decrease in available government loans and grants, we know how vital every dollar can be.

This year’s $500 scholarship was presented to Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, a sophomore at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, on April 17 during the chapter’s annual Arizona Freedom of Information Awards Reception.

Zinsmeister plans to graduate in May of 2012 and hopes to work as a magazine editor.

“No matter what field I end up in, I hope to deliver the news to the people and keep them informed while building and maintaining their trust in me as a journalist,” she said.

The chapter awarded its first $500 scholarship to community college student Heather Lacey, who was enrolled in the journalism program at Phoenix College. Lacey was given her scholarship in August 2008.