Troy High School senior Luke Severt is the Press Pros 2019 Hal McCoy Scholarship winner for continued studies in journalism, and his story, and dream, is a near-parallel to that of the Hal McCoy’s own.
Troy High School’s Luke Severt has been chosen as the 2019 Hal McCoy Scholarship winner for continued studies in journalism, and in particular, sports writing. Luke, who will attend the University of Missouri School of Journalism come fall, was chosen from a select group of finalists this week, and probably the most competitive group in the eight-year history of the award.
“Very cool,” said Severt, upon hearing of his selection. “Wow, I really appreciate this.” Already an experienced journalist for his work at Troy High School and opportunity to contribute to the Troy Daily News, he was however, at a near loss for words when he got the news.
But in regards the eight years and $25,000 awarded to previous selectees, whose interests ranged form screen writing to teaching high school English, Severt made no bones about it in his required essay with his application. He wants to write sports and fosters his interest in writing while playing outfield and pitching for the Troy High School baseball team.
Hal McCoy, who makes the final decision as to the yearly winner, smiled as he read Severt’s composition.
“This is sounds like my life story,” laughed Hal. “I knew I wanted to be a writer from day one, and I knew I wanted to write sports.”
Considered one of the top journalism schools in the world, the Missouri School of Journalis known for its “Missouri Method,” through which students learn about journalism in the classroom as well as practicing it in multimedia laboratories and real-world outlets. Given his passion for his future, Severt should have no issues at all and looks forward to the work and the challenge.
“When the Troy Daily News arrived at my doorstep one morning and I actually saw my name in print for the first time…I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Severt in his application essay. “I can guarantee that there is nobody my age working harder than me for this passion, there is no one who wants it more than I do, and there is no one else who will love it more than I do.”
We kinda’ agree.
The Hal McCoy Award is annually facilitated through our sponsoring relationship with the Unity National Bank, and this year’s award now marks $52,500 in money awarded to area students by Press Pros since 2012. Severt is the second Troy High School graduate to be selected.
Congratulations to Luke Severt, our 2019 Hal McCoy Scholarship winner for journalism studies. Like Severt, no one works harder to see his passion come to fruition…than we do.
Troy's Luke Severt is our 2019 Hal McCoy Scholarship winner, marking the tenth area student to receive this award since 2012. (Press Pros Feature Photos)