Bright students across Lane County are getting the chance to shine through Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s very first Journalism Scholarship Challenge, which invites local high school students to profile an unsung hero — someone quietly making a positive impact in their community.

Students were asked to interview their subject, gather quotes and photographs, and offer readers a glimpse behind the scenes into what inspires these community members to do the work they do. The result is a collection of thoughtful stories that not only celebrate local changemakers, but also highlight the talent, curiosity, and care of young writers across Lane County. 

As part of Lookout in the Classroom, the Journalism Scholarship Challenge is about giving students the spotlight and space to share their voices, connect with their communities, and discover their strengths as storytellers. 

We’re also now six months into Lookout for Teachers in Lane County, a civic engagement program for secondary educators and students that offers free Lookout memberships, weekly educator newsletters, classroom visits with Lookout staff, and media literacy curriculum designed to bring local journalism into everyday learning.

There are still free Lookout news memberships remaining for local teachers, though space is limited! If you know a local middle or high school educator, or are one yourself, we’d love to connect. Sign up here to activate your free teacher membership!

We are proud to share the work of five standout finalists whose profiles emphasize the impact their subjects have in their communities. Their storytelling goes beyond the surface, capturing the dedication, humanity, and heart behind each story. 

Honoring the 2026 scholarship winners

Brett Van Damme, a student at Elmira High School, wrote a beautiful profile of Amy Hand, family resource support coordinator. Through interviews with Hand and those who work alongside her, Brett captures the dedication and heart behind Hand’s work — from running Elmira High School’s “free store” to connecting community members with essential resources and services, even after hours. Read Brett’s winning profile here.

Easy Armstrong, a student at Elmira High School, profiled longtime Veneta volunteer Dennis Maricle and his decades of service to his community. Through interviews and photographs, Easy captures the compassion and determination that drives Maricle’s work supporting unhoused neighbors, organizing community resources, and uplifting others through service. Read Easy’s winning profile here.

Arlo Rallen, a student from Churchill High School, wrote about Eugene conductor Christopher Noel and the lasting impact he’s made on young musicians through Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestras (EYSO). Blending Noel’s personal journey with his passion for music education, Arlo’s piece explores how mentorship, creativity, and encouragement can shape the next generation of performers. Read Arlo’s winning profile here.

Celebrating the 2026 finalists

We’re grateful to every student who took the time to submit their work and share the stories of community members making a difference across Lane County. We also believe that supporting student journalists means investing in the educators who guide and encourage them.

If you know a teacher, please share the opportunity with them. And if you are one yourself, we hope you’ll sign up here using your .edu email address. Lane County high school and college students can also receive free four-year memberships with their student email address, found here on the LOIC page.

Not a teacher? Readers can directly support this work through Lookout’s One-for-One membership. Every annual subscription purchased at $365 – just $1 a day – provides a free Lookout membership for another local teacher. Community support is what makes this work possible, helping ensure students and educators across Lane County stay informed and empowered to share their perspective. 

2026 TOP THREE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

2026 JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS