By: Vish Gopal
Two BYU broadcast journalism students in the Department of Communications recently received prestigious scholarships from the NABJ (The National Association of Black Journalists) and NAHJ (The National Association of Hispanic Journalists). The awards recognize deserving students interested in pursuing careers in journalism.

Lakia Holmes – BYUtv's The Generations Project

Lakia Holmes, a senior from New York City, received the NABJ scholarship, a full tuition scholarship. She is currently a sports reporter for BYU broadcasting, True Blue. Jacob Rascon, a senior from Houston, received the NAHJ Geraldo Rivera Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship for students pursuing journalism in English or Spanish.

“Lakia and Jacob are shining examples of our efforts to make our communications program attractive to students of diverse backgrounds,” said Dr. Brad Rawlins, chair of the Department of Communications. “They are truly deserving of these recognitions. We are proud to have them in our program.”

Both Holmes and Rascon attributed their success to their professors.

“The instructions I have received from my teachers have helped me a lot by broadening my perspective of what life in the industry is like,” said Holmes. “I am better prepared for going out there and finding a job upon graduation because of the communications program.”

Rascon also attributed his success to the work he did for BYU Daily News, now Eleven News.

“The faculty at BYU is very helpful in making sure we produce stories that will be attractive to potential employers,” Rascon said. “With a weekly live newscast airing on regular TV, the latest equipment and faculty with experience, it’s great.”

Holmes hopes her experience will influence more students to consider the BYU communications program.

“My hope is that people will recognize the good programs that BYU has and that will attract more minority students to come here for an education,” Holmes said. “I am very grateful that the communications faculty saw enough in me to let me into the program and help me improve my skills by working with me.”