The National Court Reporters Association, the country’s leading organization representing stenographic court reporters, captioners, and legal videographers, announced Aug. 18 that Surprise resident Lisa Johnson, a student at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship by the Association’s Council on Approved Student Education.

Each year, CASE awards five scholarships to students who attend an NCRA-approved court reporting program. To be eligible to apply, students must also hold a student membership in NCRA, have attained an exemplary academic record, and passed one skills test writing at between 140 and 180 words per minute.

Students are also required to submit a speed verification form, three recommendation forms, a copy of their most recent transcript, and an essay in response to a topic chosen by members of CASE.

The 2020 essay question was: “What do you think makes you good at writing steno, and what skill sets do you possess that you believe will help you build your career as a court reporter?”

“The scholarship award means a great deal to me,” Johnson wrote. “It is wonderful to be a part of a community filled with encouraging, supportive, and intelligent individuals who strive to keep the profession strong and full of integrity.”

In her essay, Johnson credits her father, a carpenter, for instilling in her the drive needed to excel in her career.

“He provided for the family, quite literally, with his bare hands. It is my goal to also provide for my family with my hands, capturing the spoken word through stenography,” she said.