OTTAWA – A trio of up-and-coming broadcasters have been presented with Ruth Hancock Foundation Scholarships.
Awarded to applicants who demonstrate strong character and leadership qualities, a willingness to assist others and a genuine interest in pursuing a broadcasting career, the students’ commitment is reflected through involvement in extra-curricular activities related to broadcasting or broadcast sales and marketing, or through self-initiated undertakings.
Laranna Cameo Androsoff, Sarah Boothroyd, and Leanna Di Benedetto are this year’s recipients, and have each received a $1,500 scholarship.
Sponsored by the Broadcast Executives Society (BES), the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) and the Canadian Association of Broadcast Representatives (CABR), the Ruth Hancock Scholarships are designed to encourage talented, hard working students to pursue careers in Canadian broadcasting or broadcast sales/marketing.
Laranna Cameo Androsoff is currently studying in the Broadcast Performing Arts program at Columbia Academy in Vancouver. Having previously obtained a certificate in Early Childhood Education, as well as two diplomas and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, Laranna has followed the path of her personal inspiration – Oprah Winfrey – and is pursuing an on-air career in broadcasting. She hopes to inspire, motivate and empower others to realize their potential, says the press release.
Sarah Boothroyd is a Masters of Journalism student at Carleton University in Ottawa. In 2005, Sarah became the first individual to win both the Kelleher Award for Best Short Form Radio Documentary, and the Mowatt Award for Best Long Form Radio Documentary in the CBC Radio British Columbia Student Journalism Awards. Sarah aspires to work as a producer with a current affairs program in a large market, reads the release.
Leanna Di Benedetto is a student in the Radio and Television Arts program at Ryerson University in Toronto. In addition to her studies in the area, Leanna has already amassed an impressive body of work in broadcasting, including serving as producer of the 2006 Television and Radio Achievement Awards. She has also worked in technical operations at CFRB radio, and has served as an audience co-ordinator for Canadian Idol and the Rick Mercer Report. She hopes to further her experience in radio, and move into the newsroom as an anchor or reporter, the release says.
Ruth Hancock was universally admired in the Canadian broadcasting industry for her diligence, her enthusiasm, her fair-minded approach and her willingness to help others personally and professionally. For 12 years she was manager of the Toronto office of the CAB, and executive secretary of both the BES and the CCBA. In 1973, she joined the CTV Network as director of promotion and public relations, and was appointed that same year as the executive assistant to the president of the CTV. She passed away in December of 1973.
