Foundation Awards Three $1,500 Scholarships to Students at JMU, VCU and UR
The Richmond Public Relations Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of PRSA Richmond, awarded three $1,500 scholarships to area college students during the chapter’s annual Past Presidents luncheon held Nov. 28.
Jenna Scull, a senior at James Madison University, was awarded the David P. Hurdle Memorial Scholarship. Scull founded Bluestone Communications, JMU’s first student-run public relations firm. She also serves on the executive board for JMU’s PRSSA chapter. In her essay she wrote, “Whether it’s creating messages tailored toward key audiences, writing copy or solving an ethical dilemma to build brand trust, I want to work in public relations.”
Heather Derflinger, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, is the recipient of the William Dietrick Memorial Scholarship. Derflinger is majoring in PR and minoring in environmental studies. Her recent experience includes an internship with Congressman Gerry Connolly. In her essay, Derflinger wrote, “I personally believe that public relations and communications will play a major role in helping our society understand and address climate change and global warming effectively through public outreach and education.”
Margeaux Natiello, a junior at the University of Richmond, is the recipient of the Daphne Lowell Dailey Memorial Scholarship. Natiello serves as secretary of its PRSSA chapter. Her recent experience includes the role of PR intern at the fashion startup MM.LaFleur. She wrote that, “It’s amazing to see how influencing the media as a PR person creates so much positive visibility for a brand and ultimately reaches consumers who hold the buying power. This is a thrilling part of Public Relations.”
The Richmond Public Relations Foundation funds its annual scholarship program through donations from PRSA members and the community. Donations are tax-deductible.
