Arkansas Press Women is proud to announce Torrie Herrington, a junior at the University of Central Arkansas, as the recipient of its 2024 scholarship.
She will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a membership to the 75-year-old statewide professional communication organization during Arkansas Press Women’s Awards Ceremony May 18 in Little Rock.
“I’m incredibly honored and thrilled to receive the Arkansas Press Women scholarship,” Herrington said. “This scholarship will aid me in further developing the invaluable writing and reporting skills that the UCA journalism department has equipped me with. Being a student journalist is such a rewarding experience, especially with a paper like The Echo. I would not have the writing and editing skills I have today if it were not for Echo Advisor David Keith and the other amazing student journalists that I collaborate with. This scholarship is another stepping stone leading me toward becoming an excellent journalist, and I’m grateful for Arkansas Press Women’s support.”
A native of Cabot, Herrington is pursuing a double major in journalism and public relations and has a 4.0 GPA at UCA. She has worked at UCA’s student newspaper The Echo since her freshman year and has held the positions of assistant news editor, campus life editor, and associate editor. Additionally, Herrington is a first-generation college student who also works as a manager at Goodwill, where she has worked since 17.
David Keith, Herrington’s advisor at The Echo and a lecturer of journalism at UCA, said that Herrington has been an enthusiastic journalist ever since she joined the student newspaper staff during Welcome Week of her freshman year. She takes on any subject with gusto, whether it be a philanthropic event or a university scandal.
“While Torrie’s work is outstanding as it relates to reporting, writing and production, I am more proud of how she works with other students to help make them better,” Keith said. “She is quick to offer suggestions on what sources to talk to, how to improve a lead or how to put some pop into page design. She has brought new ideas to the publications and continued to look for ways to help those on the staff grow.”
The scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate college student in Arkansas who is planning a career in mass communication or journalism. Funding for this scholarship comes from APW’s Maudine Sanders Education Fund. Sanders, a previous owner of the Springdale Morning News, was a long-time member of Arkansas Press Women before her passing in 2011.
“Torrie Herrington is a shining example of dedication and talent in journalism and public relations,” said Angie Faller, APW president and news director at UA Little Rock. “Her commitment to excellence in reporting and leadership at The Echo has inspired us all.”
Herrington will spend this summer gaining experience through an internship with the Log Cabin Democrat. She will then serve as editor-in-chief of The Echo during her senior year at UCA. Once she graduates from college in May 2025, Herrington plans to work as a reporter or editor in Arkansas.
“I’m particularly interested in exploring nonprofits and resources for low-income communities,” Herrington said. “Wherever I end up, I’m confident that my adaptability and eagerness to learn will allow me to thrive in any environment that allows me to utilize my skills. I’m driven to continue serving my community by informing people about critical issues and making valuable information accessible. I believe informed communities are empowered communities, and I strive to use my writing to ignite positive change.”
An affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, APW was founded in 1949 by women working in Arkansas newspapers to provide an opportunity to compete and network in a male-dominated industry. The organization is now an association of communicators in journalism, public information, business, education and government.