Top photo caption: Chloe Berwick is shown during the Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City where was named a winner of the inaugural Carlo Acutis Scholarship. Courtesy photos
By David Karas, Correspondent
Growing up, Chloe Berwick was active in her home parish of St. William the Abbot, Howell – attending religious education classes, receiving the Sacraments, serving as a catechist and co-leading a high school youth group with her twin sister.
Berwick also found a way to merge her faith with her passion for writing – and her interest in Catholic journalism recently led to her recognition as a winner of the inaugural Carlo Acutis Scholarship.
The scholarship offers full-time college students or recent graduates the opportunity to attend the Catholic Media Conference, the flagship event of the Catholic Media Association, where they can develop their skills, build professional relationships and learn directly from experienced Catholic media professionals. Applicants must submit a letter of introduction, resume, four content samples, an academic transcript, two letters of recommendation and a description of three story ideas for Catholic media.
Recognized during the conference in Atlantic City June 16-19, each scholarship provided full conference registration, four nights at the conference hotel and travel reimbursement of up to $500. The award is made possible through generosity of the Catholic Journalist Scholarship Fund, eCatholic and the Catholic Extension Society.
“The connections made and lessons learned certainly extend beyond my time at the conference,” Berwick acknowledged.
Poised for Success
“I am extremely grateful for this experience, especially for the chance to meet my fellow recipients,” Berwick said. “I learned from professionals on a variety of topics, including how to build a brand, engage with influencers, explore AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) analytics, and use visual storytelling and photojournalism techniques. I have already started applying the insights and skills I learned to my work.
When she enrolled at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, she immersed herself in the campus ministry known as Rutgers Catholic, participating in retreats, serving as a cantor for Masses, being on the executive board and even acting as the organization’s first social media intern.
Berwick, who earned her bachelor’s degree with a journalism major and a creative writing minor in May, completed two social media internships with Ascension Press – where she enjoyed learning about the creation of faith-based content. She also applied her skills to Rutgers Catholic by taking photos during events, creating social media content and helping to build a new website for the ministry.
“I am hopeful that these efforts will allow us to reach more students on campus and invite them into our incredible community,” she said.
Expanding Skillset
Also working for the Rutgers newspaper, The Daily Targum, Berwick had the chance to contribute an article, and to explore her interest in photography as contributing photographer, taking more than 400 photos for eight different NCAA Division I sports. An internship with the university’s Division of Student Affairs also gave her the chance to photograph major on-campus events like a dance marathon and concert.
“I loved learning how to tell visual stories with each photograph,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to grow in both my writing and photography skills.”
Berwick noted that, with her mother being her “CCD” teacher, faith had a central place in her household while growing up. “Faith has always played a large role in my family’s life,” she said. “It has been our foundation through both blessings and challenges.”
As she prepares for the next chapter in her journey, the recent graduate has ambitions to work in Catholic media.
“I certainly hope to stay in the field of Catholic media and journalism,” she said. “Whether that is working in a full-time role or simply volunteering to help local parishes with their websites and social media, I am excited to see what the Lord has in store and what the future holds.”