KINGSTON, R.I -- June 18, 2002 -- At the tender age of nine Nicole Dulude had no idea how one blank newspaper would change her life. As a childhood activity, she filled in the headlines and weather forecasts, sparking her interest in journalism.

Now entering her senior year at the University of Rhode Island, the journalism and political science major, has been awarded the Rhode Island Press Association Scholarship. This competitive $1,000 scholarship is presented annually to a student with an interest in print journalism. Selection is based on background, experience, and faculty recommendation.

Linda A. Levin, professor of journalism and department chair, said that she had never seen a more qualified candidate for the scholarship. "Nicole has done it all in newspaper journalism (editing, reporting, column writing) and will make a terrific journalist one day."

Since her freshman year, Dulude has worked for the Good 5¢ Cigar, the URI student paper, and has just been appointed editor-in-chief. Last year the Cranston native worked as a news editor editing stories, developing story ideas, and helping with page layout. Dulude was the Student Senate correspondent and is most proud of the connections she established with the Student Senate members and advisers. "The more you can connect with your sources, the better you can convey the story to readers," said Dulude. She will now tackle maintaining the Cigar’s website, redesigning the newspaper, recruiting new staff, and dealing with the bigger issues of accuracy and story selection.

Dulude is currently free-lancing for the Cranston Herald, where she interned the summer before her freshman year. "I learned more that summer than I ever did in any journalism class," said Dulude. "Every morning I would get in my car, not knowing where I’d end up. Sometimes I would be roller-skating with kids, then covering a speech by the governor."

The fourth and fifth graders at Cunningham Elementary School in Pawtucket have also been exposed to Dulude’s journalistic dedication. She’s their journalism teacher. The class prepares them for a final project, creating their own newspaper. "It’s great to see the kids get excited about writing," said Dulude.

Dulude also gets excited about writing, but her true passion lies in the creative side of journalism. She finds page layout and design relaxing, allowing her creative juices to flow. "I have noticed that at the end of the night when I look at the finished product, it reflects my mood at the moment," said Dulude.

Dulude’s uncertain what her future holds. " In the immediate future I want to write for a newspaper, that’s always been my passion. But later I may want to pursue journalism through law school concentrating on media law and first amendment protection. I go back and forth on a daily basis," said Dulude.

*For a digital image of Dulude please contact Nancy Gillespie at 874-2116 or Ngillespie@advance.uri.edu.

For Information: Dave Lavallee, 874-2116, Nicole Duguay 874-2116