Clark State Community College student Heather Piper has been selected to receive the 2015 Rosalie Stevens Student Scholarship for $500 from the Ohio Court Reporters Association.
Piper, originally from Hinckley, Ohio, said choosing Clark State’s Court Reporting program was an easy decision for her. Her first priority was finding a program she could complete entirely online. “After researching all of my options, I was impressed by Clark State’s reputation in the field as well as its affordability.”
The OCRA scholarship requires a nomination by either an instructor or active member of the OCRA, as well as an essay by the nominated student. Robyn Hennigan, assistant professor of Realtime Court Reporting, encouraged Piper to apply and offered to complete the nomination herself.
“Heather is an outstanding student, completing required work early or on time and is always looking for ways to improve,” said Hennigan. “She has juggled employment along with being a full-time student to accomplish her goal of becoming a court reporter.”
Hennigan said Piper maintains a positive attitude and is an excellent example for her classmates. “Heather was able to exhibit her skills in an educational mock deposition partnership with The Ohio State University Law School, writing several depositions and producing transcripts in a two-week-time frame,” said Hennigan.
Piper said she was surprised and humbled when informed that she had been selected to receive this year’s scholarship. “About two years ago, when I was researching financial aid and scholarships while applying for school, I came across this particular scholarship,” she said. “I remember thinking how great it could be if after a little training and education, I might become the type of student who could win. It’s a real testament to the instructors in the Court Reporting program that I was able to achieve that.”
Following graduation Piper would like to work with a court reporting firm and obtain some experience with deposition work. She would eventually like to work as an official court reporter in a courtroom setting.
In addition to the scholarship, Piper will receive a one-year membership with the OCRA and will be recognized for her accomplishment at the OCRA annual conference on March 28. “This organization is invaluable for meeting reporters working in the field, finding employment and receiving additional training even after graduating,” said Piper. “Court Reporting is the type of career in which the learning really never stops, so to have access to the resources offered by OCRA will truly make me a better reporter for years to come.”