Communication student one of two to receive prestigious scholarship for sports journalism talents

Aaron Thompson, a senior communication major at Waynesburg University, is one of two students selected to receive the James Clark Montecalvo Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Distinguished Scholar Award.

The Montecalvo family awards the scholarship to a student attending a school within the PAC who represents the qualities of integrity, loyalty and perseverance that defined James Montecalvo.

Montecalvo battled an immune deficiency from birth and battled a number of medical challenges during his life, all while he kept a positive outlook through his struggles. He used his God-given talents in athletics, academics and sports journalism to the fullest of his ability.

While few are selected to apply for the scholarship, Thompson received an application as a result of his nomination by a Waynesburg University faculty member. He was notified of his selection after the scholarship selection committee reviewed his resume of academic, sports broadcasting and sports writing successes, as well as a writing sample.

“Your talents in journalism are obvious,” said the James Montecalvo Memorial Scholarship Committee in his award letter. “This means much to us, as this was Jim’s livelihood. You obviously possess the qualities that mirror our late son by standing for family, community and faith.”

As a member of Waynesburg University’s Yellow Jacket newspaper staff, Thompson writes sports stories focused on the football, softball and women’s basketball teams. He has also served as a student worker and intern in Waynesburg University’s Office of Sports Information. He has worked as a studio host and board operator for Waynesburg University’s radio station, WCYJ-FM, and has assisted with university and local high school sporting event broadcasts as a play-by-play and color announcer.

The scholarship will contribute to Thompson’s senior year of undergraduate studies, as he pursues a degree in communication with sports broadcasting/sports information and journalism options.

“Waynesburg University has afforded me the opportunity to grow so much as a person,” he said. “This [scholarship] means a great deal to me because of the people who have helped push me to reach my potential as a person and journalist day in and day out.”

Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three adult centers located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is one of only 27 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.

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Released July 14, 2010 
Contact: Pam Cunningham, Assistant Director of University Relations
724.852.3384 or pcunning@waynesburg.edu