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Winner of scholarship overcomes life obstacles

Fairmont senior to attend Bowling Green after winning Si Burick award.

Teesha McClam/Dayton Daily News Hannah Bealer, 18, a senior at Fairmont High School, is the 2009 Si Burick Scholarship recipient.

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By Christa Butts, Staff Writer Updated 5:51 PM Saturday, May 23, 2009

Few have the ability to infuse journalism with wit quite like Simon “Si” Burick. Simply put, he was a legend in journalism, acting as a writer, columnist and editor at Dayton Daily News for just shy of 60 years.

While Burick’s death in 1986 preceded the birth of Kettering resident Hannah Bealer, his life and renowned writings have undoubtedly changed the Fairmont High School senior’s life — and future.

“I want to be a journalist because writing has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t writing short stories and poems. Nothing has ever held my interest like writing,” Bealer explained.

The 18-year-old was recently chosen as the 2009 recipient of the Si Burick Scholarship, which is awarded by the Dayton Foundation through an endowment in Burick’s memory. The scholarship is in its 21st year and strives to aid students in pursuing careers in journalism.

Bealer credits an obstacle-ridden past and a letter of recommendation written by Si Burick’s friend and rabbi, Samuel Press, as factors that set her apart from the competition.

Her dedication and passion for the field atop an impressive portfolio of published works ultimately swayed the committee of judges.

Bealer remains optimistic and refuses to allow the hurdles she’s faced to slow her progress or drive.

“It is far more difficult to look at life in a negative light. More can be accomplished when you have a positive view on the world,” she said.

To allow for full appreciation of all she has overcome, it must be mentioned that her father, a South African native, left the family when she was young.

Her younger brother, Paul, suffers from a multitude of disorders including autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Her mother is unable to work regularly because of the constant attention and care needed by her brother.

The only income for the family of three comes in the form of government aid.

“Despite our financial struggles and difficulties with my brother, I know that I’m blessed and have a very promising future awaiting,” Bealer said, and those who interviewed her agree.

Bealer, like Burick, is an editor. She earned the title of entertainment editor of her school’s newsmagazine, The Flyer, after showing a natural talent for writing and reporting during her freshman and sophomore years.

“It’s been a delight to watch Hannah’s development as a student journalist since she sat in my journalism class as a shy freshman. She has grown into an engaging, inquisitive, and slightly off-beat young woman,” said Janie Ross, a Fairmont teacher.

Rabbi Samuel Press, in his letter, said, “Hannah studies the content, the style of different writers, how powerful are words when used in an intended way to convince or inform or to give the reader a new perspective.”

Apart from an avid interest in journalism, Bealer is a member of Quill, Scroll and the National Honor Society. She plays violin for the school’s symphony orchestra and volunteers at the Salvation Army soup kitchen and as a tutor at the Kumon Math and Reading Center.

“Hannah is a great leader. She does not lead by words, but by actions. She is respected and well-liked by all of her peers,” said Richard Wright, director of orchestras for Kettering City Schools. “She is quick to smile, laugh, and equally quick to be an encouragement to those around her.”

As graduation approaches, Bealer is preparing to leave one fast-paced lifestyle for another. She has chosen to attend Bowling Green State University to major in journalism and communications.

Bealer recognizes her mother, Ross and favorite journalist Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times as sources of inspiration.

Bealer hopes her journalistic career will someday allow for her employment at a magazine, naming Time, Entertainment Weekly and Seventeen as a few she has her sights on.

Accompanying the Si Burick Scholarship is the Mickey Davis Summer Internship Program, allowing for valuable hands-on experience at Dayton Daily News during her four years in college.

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2047 or cbutts @DaytonDailyNews.com.

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