Doug Damerst Scholarship
What: The Florida Magazine Association honors the life and career of Doug Damerst by awarding a $1,000 cash prize to an exceptional student majoring in journalism or communications at a four-year, Florida-based college.
Submission guidelines: Student must submit a portfolio of three (3) articles that showcases his/her journalism work, an official transcript from the university in attendance, a resume, letter of recommendation and an introduction letter that states why he/she is passionate about the field of journalism.
To submit your application, fill out the online application form or email all requested materials to info@floridamagazine.org.
Submission deadline: TBA
About Doug Damerst: During his 10 years as editor-in-chief, Doug Damerst set an award-winning standard for the Orlando-based publication of Florida Realtors—no surprise given the excellence that distinguished each adventure in a communications career that spanned four decades. Whether working as a freelance travel columnist, public relations manager, managing director of communications (the latter, during a 12-year stint with AAA National) or as vice president of FMA’s Board of Directors, Doug brought an enthusiasm and curiosity matched only by an uncanny ability to see the big picture while grasping the smallest details. As a trailblazer in new media methods and technologies, he never lost sight of the importance of editorial integrity and getting the facts straight. Doug Damerst was an inspiration to those who knew and worked with him, and a model for all journalists to celebrate.
For additional information or to become more involved in FMA email us at info@floridamagazine.org. We offer FREE membership for college students to join the organization and tap into its many benefits.
Apply for the Doug Damerst Scholarship
Donate to the Doug Damerst Scholarship Fund
Past Scholarship Recipients
2025 – The 2025 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Claire Macchiarola. Claire is a student journalist and news intern at Central Florida Public Media. She’s most at home listening to people who trust her with their stories. Claire sees journalism as a way to build understanding and shine a light on voices that too often go unheard. Whether reporting on local issues or sharing someone’s lived experience, she tries to lead with empathy, curiosity, and respect. For her, the heart of good journalism is simply making space for others to be seen and heard. Congratulations, Claire!
2024 – The 2024 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Grecia Pacheco. Grace who is from Venezuela, is a senior majoring in digital journalism at the FIU. Passionate about the truth and news reporting, her career pathway is orientated to politics and international relations based on her goal to keep people informed about the importance of democracy and its impact on modern society.
2023 – The 2023 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Veronica Nocera. Veronica is attending the University of Florida and majoring in journalism. She started her university career with a love for language and she stated the following in her scholarship application, “Looking into the future, I’m incapable of envisioning a scenario where I do not maintain with the written word.” Needless to say, she is a true journalist already. Congratulations, Veronica!
2022 – The 2022 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Avery Lotz. Read more about Avery Lotz.
2021 – The 2021 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Sabrina Salovitz. Salovitz is a junior at Florida Gulf Coast University pursuing a major in journalism with minors in interdisciplinary studies and political science. She is the Editor-in-Chief for her university paper, Eagle News, and has been published in her hometown paper, The Port Charlotte Sun. Read more about Sabrina Salovitz.
2020 – The 2020 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to April Rubin, a rising junior at the University of Florida pursuing a major in journalism and minors in anthropology and Latin American studies. She is from Miami, Florida, and this summer she is an intern at her hometown newspaper, The Miami Herald, as a general assignment reporter. She will also participate in the National Association of Hispanic Journalists student project. In Gainesville, she has reported and edited for student newspaper the Independent Florida Alligator, NPR/PBS affiliate WUFT News, and the Gainesville Sun. Read more about April Rubin.
2019 – The 2019 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Mackenzie Behm – a student pursuing her B.S. in Journalism at the University of Florida. Her considerable experience creating content, both written and video, for local and national publications shows a dedication to the profession that extends beyond the classroom. Mackenzie is a first-class storyteller who has tackled topics as varied as the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle, on-campus hazing and racism, and a scientific argument for why pineapple belongs on pizza.
2018 – The 2018 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Teaghan Skulszki – who plans to graduate in May 2020 with degrees in media communication studies, and editing, writing and media from Florida State University. Read more about Teaghan Skulszki.
2017 – The 2017 Doug Damerst Scholarship was awarded to Cecilia Mazanec, a senior at the University of Florida. Majoring in journalism (and minoring in business administration and English), Mazanec’s burgeoning career has included roles as a web reporter for Gainesville’s NPR member station WUFT and interning at UF with its social media team and at NPR in Washington, D.C., as a digital news intern. Read more about Cecilia Mazanec.
2015 – The FMA presented its inaugural (2015) Doug Damerst Scholarship to Brittany Valencic, a journalism major at the University of Florida, wrote the winning essay for the $1,000 scholarship. A sophomore at UF, she has interned at FLA-TV in Tampa and the Gainesville Sun newspaper, and written for several publications in the Gainesville area.