By Alex Vlahopoulos
Following a competitive selection process that attracted applications from talented court reporting student candidates, Stenograph and the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) are proud to announce Bridget Roorda of Fairport, N.Y., a student at Alfred State College, as the Fall 2025 recipient of the Stenograph Milton H. Wright Memorial Scholarship.
A panel of judges reviewed submissions to identify a student who demonstrates academic excellence, dedication, and a strong commitment to the profession. This is the second Stenograph scholarship offered through NCRF in 2025.
Roorda was elated to learn that she was the fall winner. “I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Stenograph scholarship,” she said. “Thank you to Stenograph and NCRF for their generous support and for investing in the future of court reporting. This scholarship is both an encouragement and a motivation as I continue my education and career goals. I am beyond grateful and excited for this opportunity.”
Michelle McLaughlin, Vice President of Steno Sales at Stenograph, shared the news with Roorda during a Zoom call.
“It is our pleasure to award this scholarship to Bridget Roorda,” McLaughlin said. “As a student, she has demonstrated remarkable commitment and enthusiasm for stenography, and we are confident she will bring that same energy into her career as a working reporter. As the premier provider of stenographic equipment and technology, we proudly share her passion and look forward to continued support of NCRF’s meaningful initiatives.”
NCRF also praised Roorda’s accomplishments and potential.
“Along with Stenograph, the National Court Reporters Foundation is proud to recognize Bridget Roorda as the recipient of the Stenograph Milton H. Wright Memorial Scholarship,” said NCRF Chair Doug Friend, FAPR, RDR, CRR (Ret.). “Bridget exemplifies the drive, professionalism, and passion that define the next generation of court reporters. Balancing the demands of family life while excelling academically and contributing meaningfully to her program and peers speaks volumes about her character. This scholarship represents an investment in a student who will undoubtedly strengthen our profession.”
As a court reporting student at Alfred State College, Roorda has distinguished herself through exceptional work ethic, leadership, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement. According to Katiemarie Puntoriero, instructor at Alfred State College and a former freelance court reporter, Roorda is among the hardest-working students she has taught.
Puntoriero noted that Roorda consistently exceeds required practice time and devotes additional hours each week to editing her work and strengthening her dictionary, often balancing coursework alongside family responsibilities. She also praised Roorda’s professionalism and communication skills, noting that her confidence and respectful demeanor will translate well in professional settings.
Beyond her academic achievements, Roorda has played an active role in strengthening the Alfred State court reporting program. She serves as a work-study student, creates practice dictation materials, contributes to program resources, and volunteers as both a mentor and participant in the Steno Siblings program. She is also involved in the court reporting club and newsletter committee and helped organize in-person student gatherings to foster community among the program’s primarily remote student population. These accomplishments were cited in Puntoriero’s letter of recommendation for her.
Her teacher described Roorda as an “all-around star student” who not only excels academically but also demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting her peers and strengthening the program as a whole.
The Stenograph Milton H. Wright Memorial Scholarship includes a $5,000 tuition scholarship, access to a Stenograph writer, and professional software, providing recipients with both financial assistance and essential tools to support the recipient’s education and career development.
NCRF is honored to collaborate with Stenograph in furthering the Foundation’s mission of supporting hardworking students through scholarships that provide not only financial assistance but also encouragement and validation as they pursue careers in court reporting, CART captioning, and broadcast captioning.
For more information, visit www.ncra.org/foundation or contact Jill Parker Landsman, NCRF Director, at jlandsman@ncra.org, or Alex Vlahopoulos, NCRF Manager, at avlahopoulos@ncra.org.
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