Cranston Teen wins $60,000 scholarship in journalism and broadcasting

Timothy Yean, a 2024 graduate of Cranston High School East, was selected from 27 applicants from Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

July 1, 2024 11:25 a.m. EDT | Update July 1, 2024 11:50 a.m. EDT

CRANSTON, R.I. — A Cranston student has won the Rhode Island PBS Scholarship, worth up to $60,000 for students pursuing careers in broadcasting, communications or journalism.

Timothy Yean, a 2024 graduate of Cranston High School East, was selected from 27 applicants from Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Yean plans to major in communications at Rhode Island College.

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“Four years ago, it would have been unthinkable for me to have my efforts recognized to this extent, and it’s still unimaginable to me,” Yean said. “I am so happy that this scholarship covers a lot of the usual financial burden of attending college, and I am so happy to tell my parents that they no longer have to worry too much about the cost of college. »

“We are very proud to be able to award this significant scholarship to Timothy,” said David Piccerelli, co-CEO of the Rhode Island PBS Foundation. “He has demonstrated excellence throughout high school and will be very successful in his journalism career. We are excited to play a role in this young man's career.”

Yean said he began considering a career in broadcasting in eighth grade after his algebra teacher complimented him on his unique approach to a word problem.

“There was an assignment regarding a tortoise and hare type situation,” Yean said. “With great interest in the sport, I decided to write the story in the style of a commentator describing the events of the race. My teacher highlighted mine as one of the best. I was proud of my work and I feel like it was the real thing. It was the beginning of my interest in sports broadcasting.”

When he arrived at Cranston East, taking the “Writing for Sports Media” class taught by Thunderbolt Media Club advisor Ken Simone piqued his interest in the subject.

“It was a very informative class, and I took it to heart,” Yean said. “I improved in every aspect of sports media, from live reporting to writing a sports story. I always use what I learned to improve as a sportscaster and writer, even in stories or assignments unrelated to sports.”

At Cranston East, Yean was student council president, Thunderbolt Media Club's primary play-by-play announcer for high school sports, and gave sports updates two to three times a week over the school's public address system in as part of the morning announcements. He also served as a public address announcer at some Rhode Island Interscholastic League playoff and championship games.

Despite his own accomplishments, Yean gives much of the credit to his parents Heang Chron and Sokha Yean.

“They worked tirelessly in every way possible to ensure a good life not only for me but also for my sister, and I love them so much for all of that and more,” Yean said.

This is the seventh year that Rhode Island PBS has awarded a scholarship through a $1 million scholarship fund established by the Rhode Island Foundation. Students can receive up to $15,000 per year for four years. Selection of each year's recipient was made by a review committee coordinated by the Rhode Island Foundation.

“We are proud to have donors like Rhode Island PBS who recognize the importance of investing in the next generation,” said David Cicilline, president of the Rhode Island Foundation. “As these young people graduate from college, begin their careers and contribute to the civic life of their communities, the impact of the scholarships will make a difference for decades to come.”

Students were required to submit an essay, a current academic transcript, a financial aid worksheet, proof of residency, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professional attesting to the applicant's merit for 'a successful career in broadcasting, communications or journalism.

For more information about applying for a Rhode Island PBS Fellowship at the Rhode Island Foundation next year, visit rifoundation.org.

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