MONTAGUE — Turners Falls High School graduate Richard Whiteman was awarded The Recorder’s annual scholarship this year.
An aspiring filmmaker who is headed off to Greenfield Community College, when Whiteman heard his name called at the high school awards night on June 2 on the day before graduation, he jumped out of his seat wearing his cap and gown.
“Getting the scholarship definitely helps,” said Whiteman.
He will use the $250 to continue to follow his passion for film, which started in a ninth-grade basic video class taught by Turners Falls High School teacher Jonathan Chappell. Whiteman said he was inspired by his teacher’s love for the filmmaking process.
Whiteman went on to take two more years of digital media courses, falling more in love with the production process. One day he hopes to direct movies, preferably super hero movies, he said.
“I am really proud of Richie and I am glad that students like him are taking advantage of the studio at Turners Falls High School,” said Chappell, the digital media teacher. “I don’t think any other school has the space that we have.”
A group of faculty and staff from Turners Falls High School selected Whiteman based on his interest in journalism, communication, photography or English.
The school also made the selection based on academic achievement and financial need.
The scholarships are sponsored by Newspapers of New England Inc. (NNE), the publisher of The Recorder, The Daily Hampshire Gazette and other newspapers throughout the region.