Schwanz Wins Rick Bonnell Scholarship

0:00It's March 22, I'm Corey with the story, and this is Durham News Today, your AI-powered local news. Maxwell Schwanns, a junior at Appalachian State University, just became the fifth recipient of the Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship. The $10,000 award from the Charlotte Hornets Foundation honors the late Charlotte observer beat writer Rick Bonnell. Officials presented it to him during half time of the Hornets game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Spectrum Center. The scholarship supports journalism students at North Carolina colleges, and Schwanns stood out among over 100 applicants for his strong drive, and clear career goals. It all started in high school when a favorite teacher nudged him toward journalism and yearbook classes, pulling him away from his basketball dreams. Family members of Rick Bonnell praised Schwanns' commitment to quality reporting, calling his story inspiring a mid-tough competition. For Schwanns, a Cornelius native, the honor feels like a huge blessing, opening doors to

1:00funding and mentorship. Today at Appalachian State, he works as sports editor for the student newspaper The Appalachian, with nearly 100 bylines under his belt. He also covers Mountaineer's football for NC Football News and helped link up with a local weekly paper. This recognition marks a big step for Schwanns as he builds his path in sports journalism, funding his early broadcasting days with print work for. Even brighter opportunities ahead.