SAAHJ presents 14th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala, 7-20

San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists Presents

14^th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala

The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists (SAAHJ) takes pride in recognizing those that leave a lasting impression and inspire progress in our community. In the spirit of that mission, SAAHJ – the city’s largest and one of its longest-serving journalism organizations – is proud to announce its14^th annual scholarship and awards gala, taking place on Friday, July 20th at the Grand Hyatt, 600 E. Market Street.

In recognition of its 25^th Anniversary, SAAHJ will award $25,000 in scholarships to a new generation of journalists and media professionals this year, including $5,000 to one student. Since inception, SAAHJ has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships.

“The continued success and growth of SAAHJ’s annual gala means more opportunities for scholarships for young journalists," said Elaine Ayala, SAAHJ President. "We received more applications this year than ever before, and that tells us there's a great need among our future journalists and other media professionals. It will be great to see these young people celebrated at our gala, not only by a group of their peers but by other business and community leaders who wish them continued success.”

In addition to the presentation of scholarships, the gala will also honor two individuals for their contributions. The prestigious Henry Guerra Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Journalism will be given to Jessie Degollado of KSAT 12. Degollado is an award-winning reporter who has become a beloved and trusted broadcaster in San Antonio.  Among her many honors is the Best Series Award from the Associated Press in 1995 for “Chiapas Revolt, One Year Later.” 

SAAJH’s 2012 Community Service Award will be awarded to Father David H. Garcia, archdiocesan director of the Old Spanish Missions in San Antonio. Recognized nationally for his work, Father Garcia most notably led the successful $21 million restoration of San Fernando Cathedral as well as the $15.5 million campaign to restore and preserve The Old Spanish Mission churches of San Antonio.

“These two individuals have given so much of themselves to San Antonio,” Ayala said. “Honoring Jessie Degollado with the Henry Guerra Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism and Father David Garcia with the Community Service Award at this year’s gala is our way to thanking them for their tremendous contributions to our city.”

This year’s Platinum Level gala sponsors include the San Antonio Express-News, Time Warner Cable and Valero Energy Corp. For more information about the SAAHJ and the gala, visit www.saahj.com.

About the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists (SAAHJ):

Established in 1987, the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists is composed of local journalists, media professionals and students interested in communications, public relations, marketing and other media industries. SAAHJ helps provide networking opportunities for Hispanics in journalism and communications careers, helps develop Hispanic leaders in journalism advance in their own careers and become advocates for other Hispanics in journalism and communications. SAAHJ's mission is to raise money for scholarships to create new generations of journalists and media professionals.

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