2025 Excellence in Journalism

‘CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIP ENTRIES’
Sponsored by the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

Detroit SPJ is accepting entries and nominations for its 2025 Larry Laurain Scholarship program. Winners will be announced at the organization’s annual banquet honoring the outstanding work and achievements in 2024 of print, broadcast, photo, digital and other practicing journalists in Michigan. In addition, Detroit SPJ will announce its Journalist of the Year and Young Journalist of the Year.

SPJ Detroit annually awards a $2,500 grant to a Michigan resident who is or will be a sophomore, junior or senior with a demonstrated interest in journalism attending a college or university. This award may be used at any institution of higher education.

Winners in all categories and scholarship winners will be honored at our annual awards banquet on Wednesday, May 14, at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Scholarship application deadline: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2025.

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Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Riley Hodder
University of Michigan
My name is Riley Hodder, and I just finished my junior year at the University of Michigan, studying English and Creative Writing. When I’m not studying, you can usually find me at the newsroom for The Michigan Daily, which is the entirely student run, independent newspaper in Ann Arbor that caters to the student population and the entire Ann Arbor community. There, I am Managing News Editor, managing a staff of over 80 reporters and overseeing our unbiased news coverage. When I’m not working, I’m usually reading, writing, spending time with my partner, Robert, or playing Quadball, a sport inspired by the fictional sport
“Quidditch” from the Harry Potter series.
Mariia Smahliuk
Central Michigan University
My name is Mariia (Masha) Smahliuk. I was born and raised in Ukraine, where I learned the importance of democracy and journalism. My dream has always been to be a reporter, giving voice to the voiceless and holding governments accountable. Now I am a junior at Central Michigan University majoring in Journalism, with minors in Political Science and Creative Writing. I am a vice president of the Society of Professional Journalists chapter at CMU and a managing editor of our student newspaper – Central Michigan Life.