BROOKS INSTITUTE NAMES WARREN KING FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

SANTA BARBARA, California – September 4, 2007 – Brooks Institute announced today that high school seniors Danielle Netko, from Big Lake, Minnesota and Zac Gatherum from Bermuda Dunes, California have been selected to receive the 2007 Warren King Foundation/Epson Scholarships. According to Warren King, chairman of the Foundation board, Netko and Gatherum’s applications and portfolios -- both of which were required for the scholarship review and determination -- unquestionably illustrate a commitment to pursuing their futures in photography.

The scholarship was conceived by Warren King and inaugurated with Brooks in 2002 to nurture the study of photographic arts in California high schools. Later, the program was expanded to encompass high schools throughout the United States.

Doug Brooks, president of the Brooks Alumni Association Board of Directors, extended his congratulations to the recipients, noting, “This scholarship is not given lightly. Warren King is an outstanding educator and his instruction and guidance have inspired generations of talented individuals throughout the world to the highest levels of achievement in photography. The Alumni Association, Brooks Institute, and Epson – a company that has demonstrated true dedication to photographers and to photography – are excited to join Warren King in recognizing talent such as Zac’s and Danielle’s and hope that the Warren King Scholarship helps to nurture their passion via this educational support.”

Both Netko and Gatherum chose Brooks Institute for its reputation and prestigious quality of education. Gatherum proclaims, “I chose Brooks simply because it is the best. The work that I have seen come out of Brooks has been phenomenal. I believe if I have the same training as the students before me, I will also be capable of making outstanding work. The world-wide reputation of Brooks is outstanding, and that is something not every student can say about their college.”

Netko was not planning on leaving her home state Minnesota until she came across Brooks through her high school counselor. “What attracted me most about Brooks was the prospect of having teachers who are themselves world-class photographers, and the fact that the classes would include working with real jobs to better prepare me for the working world.”

Warren King enjoys judging of this competition because of the many changes he sees year after year through this scholarship competition. “Photography is going through many rapid changes and I’m an old film and darkroom type of guy who has witnessed amazing turnarounds in our industry. I realize these changes are necessary, but insist that the same basics still stand Hence, I still insist on each applicant turning in finished prints in their portfolios. I peruse each portfolio that I judge and look for strong composition, outstanding print quality, an impressive written essay and the ability to put together an attractive package. The portfolios of the two winners this year, Danielle Netko and Zac Gatherum, contained these necessary ingredients. There were many impressive entries, a statement about the type of young person entering Brooks Institute.”

About Brooks Institute

Brooks Institute celebrates more than 60 years of educating students in the visual and media arts. With campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura, California, the school offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in fields including Professional Photography, Visual Journalism, Film and Video Production and Visual Communication, and a Master of Science degree in Photography. Brooks’ graduates are visible nationally and internationally, working for distinguished organizations including National Geographic, Smithsonian, Los Angeles Times and other national media outlets, including Hallmark Publishing, Cousteau Society, HBO, Kodak and other industry leaders in the visual media arts fields. For more information about Brooks Institute and the school’s programs, visit www.brooks.edu, or call 805-966-3888.