Dear PPAGLA Scholarship Fund:

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of

PPAGLA. The welcoming community of like-minded and talented amazing journalists at PPAGLA is invaluable to me. It is tremendously empowering to have role models who are pursuing careers that reflect my own dreams.

From the moment I set foot in the annual gala, I could feel the talent radiating throughout the room, filling me with an unmatched sense of pride. As a first-generation, low-income Salvadoran, I never imagined I would one day be in the presence of such accomplished professionals—much less to be recognized for an award.

PPAGLA has opened doors for me and continues to advocate for students, as well as for representation and diversity in the workforce. It was a privilege to be awarded the PPAGLA scholarship, and this opportunity will only further ignite my passion to pursue my career without financial burdens.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for PPAGLA, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of its legacy. In the meantime, I will continue to advocate for the representation of the youth in the news!

Thank you,
Gian Marco Velásquez
Student Video Photojournalist of the Year

Dear PPAGLA Scholarship Fund,

I am extremely grateful for the PPAGLA Scholarship Fund’s support of the next generation of student photojournalists as we begin our careers in the field. Opportunities like the annual student contest highlight the dedication and effort we put into our work. As students, we balance many responsibilities and often pursue this work without pay, driven purely by passion. Being recognized is incredibly motivating, and the financial support allows me to invest in my career, whether through new equipment, living expenses, or funding for stories that require travel.

I am especially honored to have been named this year’s runner-up for Student Still Photographer of the Year. PPAGLA was the first organization I joined, and without the guidance and support of its members, I would not be where I am today. This recognition not only affirms my work but also strengthens my resume as I move forward professionally. The Student Annual Contest also provides an opportunity for my work to be seen by experienced professionals who can offer valuable feedback. I have formed many meaningful friendships through this organization, and I am proud to be both a member and a recipient of this honor.

Thank you again to the Scholarship Fund, the judges, the board members, and all the professional and student members who have supported me along the way.

Blake Fagan
Runner-up, Student Still Photographer of the Year
California State University, Northridge

Dear PPAGLA Scholarship Fund,

Words cannot begin to describe my appreciation for the PPAGLA, as well as all of the members who contribute to the Scholarship Fund. Being recognized as a runner-up — let alone a finalist — in the annual student contest serves as the first major milestone in my photojournalism journey.

A little more than a year ago, I found myself picking up a camera for the first time in over a decade for a university course on photojournalism. Now, I find myself being recognized by a panel of accomplished professionals in the industry. I have the PPAGLA to thank for opening a door into the world of photojournalism that I otherwise may never have found.

This award means more to me than just financial support. It has afforded me the ability to invest in myself as I continue pursuing this art form, while also reinforcing my passion for and commitment to a career that I have only recently fallen in love with.

I will be forever grateful to the PPAGLA and the Scholarship Fund for proving to me that becoming a photojournalist is not as far-fetched as it once seemed when I first began this journey.

Thank you,
Anthony Tedesco
Runner-up, Student Still Photographer of the Year
California State University, Northridge

Dear PPAGLA, judges and Nikon,

The most rewarding thing I have ever done was join PPAGLA. When I walk around with that bright yellow press membership card, I feel like I’m a part of something great and welcoming; proven when I run into pro members on assignment and they always stop to say hello or offer advice when needed. Nothing I’ve done in my life previously has been as helpful towards my career as joining this organization has been. Thank you to all the members who worked diligently to put together the scholarship money, the awards banquet and all other things behind the scenes that keep this organization going. 

2025 was a crazy year for Los Angeles news and the United States. In the fires and June anti-ICE protests/riots, I had sought only to document it and prove to myself that I could do it. I had missed out on the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and countless fires before. I had dealt with severe PTSD after covering these things and I could never decide if the photographs I made were any decent. The judges decided they were more than decent and I am forever grateful you have given me that peace. The award goes much deeper than a shiny plaque with my name on it. I hope to continue to face the fears I have and continue documenting stories. Thank you so much for choosing me as the 2025 student photographer of the year.

Lastly, but not least, thank you to Nikon USA for the amazing Nikon Z8 and 24-120 f4 lens. This camera and lens has been a real treat to use. Up until this point I had only used 15-year-old DSLRs. The Z8 has quickly become my main workhorse camera for everything I shoot for work and for pleasure. I am loving the output from this camera and lens so much that I don’t bring two bodies to assignments anymore. It’s got everything I need. Thank you Nikon. 

Ben Hanson

Still Student Photojournalist of the Year

California State University, Northridge