Article by Tacy Brown | Owl Staff
Before working at HCC, Jim Mason was a teacher at Harford County Public Schools for 27 years.
Jim Mason wasn’t just a professor, he was the reason students became interested in journalism. Mason’s passing on August 8th, 2022 affected the whole community. He made a real impact on his students, they honor his legacy and continue his teachings.
The James Mason Memorial Scholarship, founded in 2023, was created to support students in journalism and related fields at Harford Community College. The scholarship will be awarded to a dedicated member of the Owl Media staff each spring and fall, with recipients receiving $500.
This scholarship was made in Jim Mason’s name to honor his legacy as a professor. Mason once served as advisor for The Harford Owl, which later became Owl Magazine and rebranded to Owl Media in 2022 to emphasize digital content. This scholarship is a way to motivate students and help them, while honoring one of the reasons we have a journalism club at HCC.
“Jim Mason was my journalism teacher at North Harford High School, and he was one of the greatest inspirations for my teaching career. I’m so grateful for his legacy that I would like to match any contributions received by April 11th up to $500,” states Journalism professor Claudia Brown.
“He always believed in me and trusted the visions I had for my feature stories. He’s honestly the reason I got into journalism in the first place.“
Former student Kristina Higgins worked alongside Jim Mason in the early years of the Harford Owl.
“Some of my best memories were working with Mr. Mason on the Harford Owl Newspaper, before it was a magazine! He always believed in me and trusted the visions I had for my feature stories. He’s honestly the reason I got into journalism in the first place,” said Higgins.
Kristina Higgins (left) with former student John Morin (right). Both attended HCC in 2010; Kristina was part of Jim Mason’s final staff, while John was a member of the first of Professor Brown’s.
“Being apart of the student publication is one of my fondest memories from college, and the experiences have truly helped make me the person I am today. I think the scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students to be part of the organization,” said former student Stephanine Perkins.
“I know he would be thrilled to know that even in death, he’s still helping so many people”
Owl Media continues strong connections with its alumni, who often return as guest speakers, staff mentors, or donors. Many former members have gone on to grow successful careers and continue to support the program in meaningful ways. The scholarship coordinator at HCC encourages current Owl Media staff interested in applying for the scholarship to clearly mention their involvement with the organization in their application essays.
“If people contribute to this scholarship, they will be supporting a remarkable man who dedicated his life to his students. I know he would be thrilled to know that even in death, he’s still helping so many people” said Higgins.
“The annual scholarship must be fully funded by April, so it can be awarded in the fall.“
Those wishing to contribute to the James Mason Memorial Scholarship can send a check to the Harford Community College Foundation at 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD, 21015, or donate online through the HCC Foundation Giving page. Donors should select “Specific Scholarship Fund”, then in the field that pops up write in “James Mason Memorial Scholarship”. The annual scholarship must be fully funded by April, so it can be awarded in the fall.
Readers can donate using this link: https://harford.awardspring.com/Home/Scholarships