The nine scholarship students are:

• Erin Betz, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. A Lutheran, she is studying the early Church and patristics. Her mentor is Sandra Brands, communications director for the Troy Conference of The United Methodist Church.
• Meg Biallas, Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind. A nondenominational Christian, she is studying news-editorial journalism and video production. Her mentor is Shirley Paulson, Christian Science lecturer, Glenview, Ill.
• Sarai Case, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill. A United Methodist, she is working on a Master of Divinity degree and studying media ministry. Her mentors are Ellen Price, assistant director, Office of Communication, Bahá’ís of the United States, Chicago, and Tim Frakes of Frakes Production, Chicago.
• Rob Collingsworth, Samford University, Birmingham, Ala. A Southern Baptist, he is studying print journalism. His mentor is Dr. Larry Hygh Jr., communication director for the California Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church.
• Jennifer D. Crumpton, Union Theological Seminary, New York City. A nondenominational Christian, she is working on a Master of Divinity degree. Her mentor is Laura Flippen Tenzel, communication coordinator for the United Methodist Church Endorsing Agency, Nashville, Tenn.
• Karla Goncalves, Union College, Bourbonville, Ky. A Roman Catholic, she is studying communication and religion. Her mentor is Janice Rizzo, associate director of marketing and editor, Seeds for the Parish, for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Chicago.
• John D. Gore, Michigan State University, East Lansing. A United Methodist, he is studying communication and English with a concentration in creative writing. His mentor is Polly House, corporate communication specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tenn.
• Randa Kuziez, Washington University, St. Louis. A Muslim, she is studying international affairs. Her mentor is Mary Jacobs, associate editor, United Methodist Reporter, Dallas.
• Tiffany Stanley, Harvard University Divinity School. A United Methodist, she is working on a Master of Divinity degree. Her mentor is the Rev. Dr. Ken Bedell, executive director of EPIC Inc., Nashville, Tenn.

Mentors have agreed to:

• Work with their student for one year.
• Stay in contact with their student after the National Convention, talk about the student’s work and initiate conversations about goals.
• Prepare a short summary of the mentorship experience at the end of 12 months.
• RCC has been offering scholarships to students for National Conventions since 2001. Through those scholarships and the Student Mentoring Program, RCC hopes to address three organizational purposes listed in the council bylaws:
• Encourage individuals to become professional religion communicators.
• Provide an environment for the exchange of ideas and discussion of mutual concerns among religion communicators.
• Encourage excellence and accountability among professional religion communicators.