Dorothy Greer Scholarship

Dorothy D. Greer co-founded the Colorado High School Press Association in 1970, and served as volunteer executive secretary until 1989. CHSPA directors then named her executive secretary emeritus. While serving as executive secretary, she was instrumental in establishing most of CHSPA’s major activities, including the newspaper and yearbook contests, the student scholarship, and the Teacher of the Year award. Mrs. Greer passed away March 9, 2004 in Estes Park. She was 104 years old. Her many accomplishments included being named the National Journalism Teacher of the Year in 1962, and designated in March 1974 as one of the 12 highest contributors to the field of Scholastic Journalism over the past 50 years. Each year CSMA, the current name of CHSPA, awards a scholarship in her name (plus a runner-up) to a graduating high school senior who demonstrates exceptional journalistic abilities.

The winner represents Colorado as a JEA National High School Journalist of the Year nominee. The JEA Journalist of the Year is eligible to win an additional scholarship. Additional portfolio work may be required to meet JEA Journalist of the Year requirements.

CSMA uses the Journalism Education Association rules and requirements for all Greer applications. It is highly recommended that potential applicants go here to see general comments on the national award and to find links to a variety of advice on how to prepare your online portfolio.

The Dorothy Greer Scholarship opportunity is offered to any Colorado high school senior who works on at least one publication with current membership in CSMA. It is a one-time award of $3,000. The scholarship must be claimed within two years of graduating from high school or it is forfeited.

A runner-up scholarship winner is usually announced, and that student receives a one-time award of $1,500.

Eligibility for the Greer Scholarship: Any Colorado high school senior who has worked on at least one of the following: yearbook, broadcast, video media, Web or newspaper/newsmagazine for at least two years. At least one medium worked on must be a CSMA member, and the adviser must be a JEA member (which is a requirement of the national competition). Advisers are allowed to become JEA members after their student is announced as a first-place winner. The applicant must plan to attend a junior college, college or university. Breadth of experience is important as well as depth. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or better.