Student brings 'chic' style to 'diggity dawg' $20k scholarship

Date: 3/9/2010

March 10, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- Jessica Cronin needs everyone's help!

Provided she can acquire more Facebook fans than any other applicant in the country, this aspiring graphic designer from Feeding Hills and junior at Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) would be a finalist for Zinch.com's Sweet Diggity Dawg $20,000 scholarship.

"I've always just wanted to go to college and start my career," Cronin told Reminder Publications. "I'm just excited to get my work out there and for many people to see it. I want to inspire people with my artwork and change how people view art."

Cronin explained that art has helped to channel her emotions and challenges into quality work both in and outside of the classroom.

"I've had a lot of hardships in the last few years and I've been trying to be motivated," Cronin said. "I'd have to say making happy, more cheerful graphics does make my day a little more worth smiling!"

She added her mother lost her job at a local pet supply chain and is physically incapable of working due to two herniated disks in her back. Cronin noted the scholarship would really help make her college dreams come true.

Zinch.com helps prospective college students market themselves to institutions of higher learning as "more than just a test score." The site also provides access to a library of potential college scholarships.

David Blake, director of marketing and student finance for Zinch.com, said navigating the college admissions process is extremely stressful for students but his company is committed to finding fun, academically-based methods of helping students obtain academic and financial incentives.

He noted this annual scholarship has the largest pool of applicants, currently narrowed down to 2,500 semi-finalists throughout the country.

Cronin is banking on becoming one of the contest's "Cinderella Six" six applicants who will automatically advance to the final round provided he or she creates the most popular Facebook fan page; or creates the best YouTube video about Zinch; or has the highest number of referrals to Zinch.com.

Patricia Parker-Flores, Cronin's design and visual communications teacher at LPVEC, said her student has what it takes to win the scholarship and to be a successful graphic designer.

"She's self-directed and motivated," Parker-Flores added. "She's really gifted. She'll take [projects] home with her and go beyond what's expected or the requirements.

"Her colors, layout skills and ability to put it [all] together is beyond kids that have been in here for two to three years," she continued.

Wendy Cronin, Jessica's mother, said she is unsure how her daughter acquired such natural talent, adding that the extended family is not artistically inclined.

Jessica said her mother and Parker-Flores have helped to steer her creative drive, especially throughout the past year.

"My teacher, Mrs. Parker, explains a lot about the placement of how to put together [my] artwork," Jessica explained. "She helps me a lot with the small things I often forget to include which are very helpful. She inspires me to continue to be educated and creative. As for my mother, she often encourages me to be motivated and successful."

Cronin estimates she'll need 5,000 Facebook fans in order to secure a place in the final round of 64 for the scholarship; so far she has over 1,200 but the clock is ticking: the deadline is March 16.

To become a fan, visit www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Massachusetts/Help-Jessica-Cronin-get-a-20k-Scholarship-to-College-from-Zinch/325071971861?ref=ts.