Two School of Journalism Students Honored for Civic Reporting Work
Two University of Arizona School of Journalism students are being recognized for their commitment to reporting on issues that shape local communities.
Mohim Jahongirova, Arizona Public Media intern
Mohim Jahongirova and Nya Belcastro were named this year’s recipients of the Jamieson-Metcalf Family Scholarship for Public Affairs in Journalism, which provides funding for students working with local news organizations to cover civic issues.
Since its establishment in 2022 by alumnus William “Bill” Jamieson (’65) and his granddaughter Hunter Metcalf (’21), the scholarship has aimed to strengthen the pipeline of student journalists covering public policy.
Jahongirova, a senior, works as a broadcast intern at Arizona Public Media (AZPM), where she has contributed to coverage of local issues, including Tucson’s Regional Transportation Authority plan vote, and helps produce programs like “Arizona Pressroom” and “State of the Arts.”
Before joining AZPM, she reported on elections and political events for the Daily Wildcat and participated in the Common Ground Journalism student cohort, where she deepened her understanding of public affairs reporting and its impact.
Originally from Uzbekistan, Jahongirova said the scholarship comes at an important time as she prepares to graduate.
“This scholarship really helps me not have to think of financial barriers while preparing for graduation and moving into a career after student life,” she said. “It is a great opportunity for students.”
Nya Belcastro, Tucson Spotlight intern
She hopes to continue her journalism career in Tucson or return to Uzbekistan to work in national broadcasting following her time at the university.
Belcastro, a junior, reports on school districts, community activism and local elections for Tucson Spotlight, and works as a reporter at the Daily Wildcat. Originally from Northern California, she said reporting has helped her connect with Tucson while building her interest in public affairs journalism.
“Realizing I can go out, get information and then accurately share it with people and help them sparked my interest in civics,” Belcastro said.
Her reporting experience includes interviewing Tucson City Councilmember Kevin Dahl, covering last year’s Proposition 417 vote and reporting on peaceful protests.
“Good, truthful journalism supplies the public with the knowledge they need to be self-governing. That is really important to me,” she said.
Alongside her journalism major, Belcastro is pursuing a minor in law, with plans to combine both fields in a career focused on political reporting.
“Being awarded something like this is really life-changing for me,” she said. “For me, this means I get to continue my dream.”
By supporting students like Jahongirova and Belcastro, the Jamieson-Metcalf Family Scholarship continues to invest in the next generation of journalists dedicated to covering the issues that shape communities and everyday life.