tool name
closeBill Welch loved journalism, during his 21 years at the Centre Daily Times and later when he always would help young reporters and editors and journalism students get it right.
CDT file photo
The Bill Welch Journalism Award will honor the memory of a man who loved journalism and was always willing to help young reporters.
He made time for them, and the result often was a better story on a community issue and a better journalist overall.
Welch died in September but his memory lives on, and a group he met with weekly has started an award in his honor.
The Young Writers of America, a group of residents who meet for lunch and share stories while talking about local issues, will present the Bill Welch Journalism Award each fall to a State College Area High School student.
“What we wanted was something that would honor Bill as a journalist, would further his love of good writing, and keep alive the knowledge of his life,” said Thomazine Shanahan, one of the group members.
State High faculty is now considering candidates, and soon a student will be named as the first recipient.
The student will receive a plaque and a book that Welch would have loved, and will have lunch with the group to learn about the former mayor.
Afterward, the student will have a chance to shadow our staffers and write for the Centre Daily Times and contribute to CentreDaily.com.
We’re pleased to partner in this effort and offer a way for a top student to gain valuable experience that will only help in college and beyond. Schools reporter Ed Mahon will serve as the student’s contact here.
Adam Smeltz, the youngest member of the Young Writers group, started writing for the Centre Daily Times while a sophomore at State High. The award will allow students like him to gain early experience in their hometown.
“The recipient will meet with people who knew Bill well, and the award presents an opportunity for us to pass along some of the principles and ideals that he instilled in us and the town,” said Smeltz, 27, who now lives in Philadelphia.
Smeltz noted the award reflects Welch’s guidance for young people, his love of writing and solid communications, and his enthusiasm for public service.
Charles DuBois, who led the effort to create the award, said a plaque will be placed in State High and updated each year with the winner’s name.
“Bill was a mentor to me very much, giving me opportunities as a young journalist,” recalled DuBois, who worked at the Centre Daily Times while Welch served in various jobs including executive editor. “He was such a good newsman, reporter and storyteller.”
The Young Writers group was formed decades ago and hasn’t necessarily consisted of many writers at all. This award is perhaps its best story, and one that will help students while honoring a beloved journalist and mayor.
Community contributions are welcome for this effort. Checks should be made out to the Young Writers of America and sent to the SPE Federal Credit Union, 650 N. Science Park Road, State College, PA 16803, Attention: Russell P. Brooks.
• • •
Veterans Day is set for Wednesday, but we’ll recognize our veterans each day this week in the Centre Daily Times.
Today, readers’ poetry is showcased in Sunday Life, as we’ve taken poems honoring veterans from the bustling Poetry Corner at CentreDaily.com.
Starting Monday and running through the week, we’ll feature stories, editorials and op-eds recognizing veterans locally and nationally.
We’ll also cover Centre County events, such as today’s appreciation dinner for veterans in Clarence and salute to Vietnam veterans in Bellefonte.
We owe a great deal to those who’ve served and their families, as Chief Warrant Officer Allen L. Metheny writes in a column today, and they’ll get special recognition this week in the paper and online.
As always, please contact me with concerns you have about anything in the Centre Daily Times or online at CentreDaily.com.
Executive Editor Bob Heisse can be reached at bheisse@centredaily.com or 231-4640. His blog, “Back in Happy Valley,” is on the Web site.
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