Lauren McLemore, a junior at the University of Central Arkansas, is Arkansas Press Women’s 2019 college scholarship recipient.
McLemore, who is from North Little Rock, studies journalism at the university in Conway. She is the assistant news editor at The Echo, the UCA student newspaper. In August, she will assume the role of associate editor-in-chief at The Echo. She has also freelanced for AY Magazine.
McLemore is a member of the UCA Feminist Union and has been on the Dean’s list for the past three semesters.
“Lauren was chosen because of her experience and drive for journalism,” scholarship chair Ginny Monk said. “Her writing shows that she is passionate about representing all communities fairly and compassionately.”
McLemore was awarded the scholarship at APW’s annual award luncheon May 4 along with a one-year student membership to APW.
APW awards the $1,000 scholarship each year to a junior or senior student majoring in journalism or a related communications field at an Arkansas university.
Funding for this scholarship comes from APW’s Maudine Sanders Education Fund. Maudine Sanders started her journalism career as a bookkeeper for the Springdale Morning News. She later worked as an obit writer and wrote up the important details of local weddings. In 1955, Sanders became part owner of the Springdale Publishing Company. She retired from the business in 1973 when she and her husband sold the business to Donrey Media.
Sanders was a long-time member of Arkansas Press Women, and previously served as APW’s president in 1971. She passed away in 2011.
For more information about the scholarship or how to donate to the fund, email APW President Kristin Netterstrom Higgins at arkpresswomen@yahoo.com.