“While attending ThreeSixty Journalism summer camps, I learned the basics of journalism. It also reminded me of the need for more multicultural journalists.”
ThreeSixty Journalism has selected Samantha HoangLong, a Burnsville High School senior, as the 2017 ThreeSixty Scholar. HoangLong receives a full-tuition, four-year scholarship to study Communication and Journalism at the University of St. Thomas starting in the 2017 fall semester.
Each year, high school seniors who are graduates of a ThreeSixty summer journalism camp compete for the ThreeSixty Scholar award – valued at more than $160,000 over four years.
“The scholarship is more than just a financial benefit. It puts me on a pathway that is the start of an exciting life journey,” HoangLong said. “I couldn’t be more thankful for ThreeSixty Journalism.”
HoangLong joined ThreeSixty in summer 2016 and completed the program’s College Essay Boot Camp, Rookie Journalist Camp and News Reporter Academy. She quickly established herself as a committed student eager to learn and practice journalism.
“While attending ThreeSixty Journalism summer camps, I learned the basics of journalism,” HoangLong said. “It also reminded me of the need for more multicultural journalists.”
One of HoangLong’s first pieces with ThreeSixty, “Adding their own flavor: Harding trio gets once-in-a-lifetime chance to display culinary chops in D.C.,” was featured in the September 3, 2016 edition of the Pioneer Press.
“Samantha stood out early on,” said Miles Trump, ThreeSixty program manager. “Throughout her time with ThreeSixty, she’s emerged as a strong writer, communicator and leader among her peers. We’re lucky to have her, and so is St. Thomas.”
HoangLong also participated in a special ThreeSixty partnership project with Minnesota Public Radio at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair and on ThreeSixty’s 2016–17 school-year News Team. She was a National Honor Society member at Burnsville from 2015–17 and active in diversity initiatives.
“I like to think recognizing the diversity in my own community has helped me become a more empathetic, accepting person,” she said.
HoangLong views the scholarship as an opportunity to pursue a career she is passionate about.
“At St. Thomas, I will be able to learn, grow and explore,” she said.
Currently, there are four ThreeSixty scholars attending St. Thomas.
