Csulb student wins $1,000 scholarship

By Jo Ovalle, Forty-Niner Online
Sept. 12, 1995

Michael Temple, a junior majoring in television and film at Cal State Long Beach, is the recipient of the $1,000 from the 1995 Lisa Davidson Memorial Scholarship from the Public Interest Radio and Television Educational Society.

"I love writing, and trying to convey a message is a priceless gift," said Temple, who yearns for a career in television. "There are many valuable programs which help educate and inform. My goal is to write or direct such programs."

PIRATES is a nonprofit organization made up of Southern California community affairs directors from various radio and television stations as well as public relations professionals.

Since 1972, PIRATES has been sponsoring this scholarship program for sophomores and juniors majoring in communications, journalism, radio or television at a four-year Southern California college or university. This year's scholarship was underwritten in part by a grant from KTTV, Channel 11.

The Lisa Davidson Memorial Scholarship was named after Lisa Davidson, a public service coordinator who died in an automobile accident at a young age.

"We've been doing this scholarship for 23 years," said Michael Turner of PIRATES. "We've been trying to help the students of California to enter the communications, journalism, radio and television profession. This scholarship is a good incentive for students and this $1,000 helps them with the expensive cost of education."

Temple participates in the University Scholars Program which is an student honors program with smaller classes and greater reliance on group discussions.

In addition to academics, Temple said he finds time to enjoy music and play soccer. He also works at Knotts Berry Farm drawing caricatures of guests.

"I am trying to go to school part time and excel in my classes; financial concerns are always with me," he said.

Temple said the $1,000 scholarship from PIRATES will help him reach his goal.