LOS ANGELES, Calif.–Two USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism seniors majoring in broadcast journalism were awarded the Chick Hearn Memorial Scholarship at last nights Los Angeles Lakers game at Staples Center.
Jonathan Kendrick and Eleni Press, the second female recipient in the scholarship’s 10-year existence, were presented with the scholarships at at halftime of the Lakers’ 90-82 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
In addition to the $5,000 scholarships, named for the Lakers’ longtime announcer, Kendrick and Press will also have the opportunity to intern at Fox Sports.
Kendrick, from Upland, is sports multimedia director of USC’s Annenberg TV News, a nightly sports anchor at the station and writes for the campus newspaper, the Daily Trojan.
Kendrick has interned with Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Sports Radio and KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9.
“I couldn’t be more excited about pursuing a career in sports broadcasting,” said Kendrick, who aspires to be a play-by-play announcer for a major network or professional team. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work hard at a job that I have a strong passion for.”
Press, a Chicago native, is sports director of Annenberg TV News. She has interned with the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association and WBBM, the CBS owned-and-operated television station in Chicago.
“ATVN has given me a huge taste of what it’s like to be a sports reporter an I’ve loved every second of it,” Press said.
Press credited her father with instilling in her a love of sports. She grew up cheering for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
“Sports will always be one of my biggest passions and I look forward to making it an even bigger part of my future,” Press said.
The scholarship was established in 2002 with support from the Hearn family, the Lakers and his many fans in tribute to Hearn, best known for being the Lakers’ play-by-play announcer from 1961 to 2002.
Hearn was also the play-by-play announcer for USC football and basketball games from 1956-61.
Donations for the scholarship can be sent to USC Annenberg Chick Hearn Fund, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, 3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, Calif. 90089-0281.
