Staff editor/writer, Alyvia Pierson (11), wins the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Scholarship!

 As a second-year Zachary Student Media member and high school junior, Alyvia received the opportunity to apply for a Journalism scholarship.  

“I was surprised when I discovered that I would represent the state of Louisiana at the Al Neurath Free Spirit Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C., this summer and receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of my choice!” Pierson said.  

The application process required Alyvia to submit: a transcript, headshot, two letters of recommendation, two personal essays, and three journalistic works.  

“Having a week to submit, I carefully chose three of my best articles and wrote two personal essays on why I deserved this scholarship,” Pierson said.  

Alyvia went into this with low expectations, preparing herself for the chance she didn’t get accepted; when the committee notified her that she was the 2022-2023 recipient, she was in shock and disbelief and ran to tell her parents immediately!  

“I jumped up and down, across my bedroom, with joy and excitement!” Pierson said.  

Alyvia’s all-expense paid trip to D.C. is from June 24-June 29, where she’ll hear from noble journalists and newsmakers and visit media workplaces and the nation’s landmarks.  

The Freedom Forum program honors Al Neuharth, the founder of USA Today and the Freedom Forum, for his long-distinguished career in Journalism and his free spirit. With this, the Freedom Forum invites and challenges young journalists with a free spirit to push boundaries and establish goals. 

“It is an absolute honor to receive this scholarship and represent my state in the nation’s capital,” Pierson said, “I will represent Zachary High as best as possible.”