Charlotte Hornets accepting applications for Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship

The Charlotte Hornets are now accepting applications for the fourth annual Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship.

Journalism students enrolled at a North Carolina college or university can apply for the $10,000 scholarship on the Hornets’ website. Applications are being accepted until Jan. 6.

Bonnell, the widely renowned Observer sports reporter who covered the Hornets for more than 33 seasons, died at 63 on Feb. 1, 2021. This is the fourth year that the Charlotte Hornets Foundation is awarding this scholarship in a continued effort to honor his legacy.

Shelby Swanson, now a senior at North Carolina, became the third recipient of the Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship last year, succeeding Bianca Rodriguez (2023) of UNC Charlotte and fellow Tar Heel Noah Monroe (2022).

How to apply for the Rick Bonnell Memorial Scholarship

Applications are now live and can be found on the Charlotte Hornets’ website. They will be accepted over the next month. The deadline to apply is Jan. 6.

The winner will be selected by a panel consisting of Bonnell’s children, Jack and Claire; Bonnell’s former Observer colleagues; and Hornets staff members.

This year’s recipient will be awarded the scholarship during an on-court presentation at a later date.