The School of Visual Communication dominates NPPF scholarships for second year in a row

For the second year in a row, the School of Visual Communication in the Scripps College of Communication garnered the most scholarships from the National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF). Of the 14 awards distributed by NPPF for the 2025-26 academic year, six students from the school were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

The recipients are graduate students Loriene Perera, Milton Lindsay, Michael Blackshire, and HG Briggs, along with undergraduate students Ayiana Andrella and Ben Pennington.

“Milton Lindsay is a graduate student working on documenting a migrant worker program that allows migrants to work legally in the U.S. agriculture business. His research is impeccable, and his images take us into the lives of those who travel here from Mexico to work in the fields where few others are willing to go,” said Visual Communication Graduate Director Stan Alost. “Michael Blackshire is a graduate student who continues to gain attention for his amazing images that take us places most of us never go. HG Biggs is a graduate student in her first year with a ton of promise. Loriene Perera is an international graduate student producing award-winning stories. And Ayiana Andrella and Ben Pennington are undergraduate students who have already made a name for themselves, winning awards for their compelling photographs.”

Perera was also awarded an NPPF scholarship last year. As this year’s recipient of the Paul Martin Lester Scholarship, Perera is truly honored to have won an award from NPPF two years in a row.

“The award is named after man who was a photojournalist and editor who had a strong focus on ethics and to get this award is an honor,” said Perera. “I like to photograph stories that celebrate people’s determination. I like to focus on showing the uplifting aspects of Appalachia in my work.”

Being recognized in this way helps Perera and the other Ohio University winners gain professional credibility and financial stability.

“I feel grateful and relieved,” said Perera. “The financial support from NPPF helps emerging photographers such as myself explore projects that we would not have economic means to explore because we are students. It will help me purchase essential equipment for my photography project.”

The NPPF, a non-profit organization, provides annual scholarships to encourage college and university students who have demonstrated ability or promise in the field of visual journalism. Winners were selected by panels of top professionals based on portfolios, essays, recommendations, and grades.

“We are proud that so many of our students were recognized by the NPPF,” said Alost. “It truly is an honor. Our students are creating the kind of work that is earning recognition and getting published. They are also building a community of visual storytellers who support and challenge each other.”