PORTLAND – The Guy P. Gannett Journalism Scholarship Fund of the Maine Community Foundation has awarded just over $244,000 in scholarships to 28 students, all graduates of Maine high schools. They will receive financial support for graduate and undergraduate studies at schools across the U.S., including American University, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, University of Maine, New York University, Emerson College and the University of California, Berkeley.

Local 2008 Gannett Scholar is Ian Crouch, Poland. Other local students who had their Gannett scholarships renewed were Emily Blanck, Winthrop, and Jonathan Gamble, Roxbury.

All students have been pursuing journalism projects and careers in Maine and elsewhere, reporting for newspapers, radio and TV stations.

A volunteer review committee selected the students based on demonstrated interest in journalism, excellence in academic performance and financial need. Applications for the 2009 scholarship will be available in January at high school guidance offices and at www.mainecf.org.

MaineCF manages more than 200 scholarships for college, trade and technical school; graduate school; and youth enrichment and non-traditional student programs. For more information, visit www.mainecf.org or call 1-877-700-6800.