Paradigm/Veritext Presents Annual Student Scholarships at Anoka Tech

Anoka, MN – Paradigm Reporting & Captioning, a Veritext Company, was pleased to present two $1,000 scholarships to students in the Judicial Reporting/Broadcast Captioning program at Anoka Technical College on May 16th.  Company Representatives Jan Ballman, RPR, CMRS, FAPR; Merilee Johnson, RMR, CRR, CBC, CCP, CRC, RSA; and Angie Ballman Punton were on hand to honor students Valerie Riske and Davis Wille with the “2019 Paradigm/Veritext Annual Student Scholarship.”

Paradigm established a student scholarship program at Anoka Tech in 2010 in order to support one of the nation’s premier court reporting training institutions by providing tuition relief and equipment/software assistance to high-speed students who have graduation in sight and have demonstrated grit, perseverance, positivity and academic excellence.  Students apply for the Paradigm/Veritext scholarship through a questionnaire and essay process.

Both scholarship recipients stumbled upon court reporting as a second career, both majored in language in college…and both have had to overcome incredible barriers throughout their coursework to get where they are today.

“It’s always very difficult making these scholarship selections, as so many of these students are incredibly worthy, and all of them are so impressive,” said Jan Ballman, Principal at Paradigm/Veritext.  “But we were inspired by the sheer willpower and determination demonstrated by both Davis and Val!  It was just delightful to meet them and present their scholarships in person.”

Angie Ballman Punton added, “We were especially excited to add a second scholarship this year, thanks to Veritext’s new initiative to expand their student scholarship programs all across the country.”

“The students coming out of Anoka Tech’s program are top-tier and work-ready!  We are so fortunate to have one of the best schools in the country right here in our own backyard.  It has kept the reporter shortage at bay for us here in the Twin Cities, and we owe Anoka Tech a debt of gratitude for that,” Merilee Johnson stated.

The students were treated to “magic testing donuts” that contained “super passing power,” and coupled with a stirring pep talk delivered by one of the most highly certified reporters in Minnesota, it was not surprising to learn that many students closed out the semester that day by passing their speed tests.