For anyone in the sports broadcast industry, the path often times resembles a minor league baseball career, with stints in tiny cities to start, at salaries that would shock many, in the quest of pursuing career dreams.
Cedric Derecho is in his first year on this journey. Last November, Derecho secured that first job at WAGM-TV in Presque Isle, Maine.
The New Jersey native is exactly the type of reporter that prominent sports agent Don Yee has always tried to help with his $2,000 Jimmie & Suey Fong Yee Grant – named after Yee’s parents – that provides financial aid to attend AAJA’s annual National Convention, which this year was in Minneapolis.
“I am beyond grateful and honored to have received the Yee Grant,” Derecho said. “Attending the convention this year would not have been possible without the generosity of AAJA and the Yee family.”
Derecho is the latest in a long line of AAJA sports journalists helped by Yee’s generosity. Yee knows firsthand what it’s like to be a unicorn in a profession. His clientele as a sports agent includes the likes of Tom Brady, Jim Harbaugh, and Sean Payton. Since 2016, Yee has now helped around 20 aspiring sports journalists attend the AAJA Convention.
“I congratulated Cedric on being the 2026 recipient of the scholarship,” Yee said. “He’s already demonstrated tremendous drive, and his versatile skills have been displayed on various platforms. I wish him the best as he pursues his goals, and I hope he develops meaningful friendships and mentors through AAJA’s Sports Task Force.”
Derecho has done that so far. He came away from 2026’s AAJA Convention in Minneapolis with his heart full, having met in person some of his fellow journalists who have been on similar paths.
“AAJA is truly a family,” Derecho said. “It gives me added motivation to have met with past recipients of the grant and to see all of the amazing work they are doing in our industry. I will strive to get a little better each and every day. Attending the convention this year would not have been possible without the generosity of AAJA and the Yee family.”
About The Recipient: Cedric Derecho
Cedric Derecho is a sports reporter and MMJ, who joined WAGM-TV (Gray Media CBS/Fox Affiliate in Presque Isle, Maine) in November 2025. Derecho has been an NFL training camp reporter (Green Bay Packers, WFRV-TV), and has hosted talk shows for ESPN Radio Syracuse (WTLA).
Born and raised in New Jersey near the Jersey Shore, Derecho is a 2025 Broadcast and Digital Journalism graduate (MS) of the SI Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University. Derecho has a passion for sports play by play and sports reporting, and has embraced the opportunity to cover local sports in Northern Maine.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, attending Eagles and Nets games as a fan, and traveling abroad.
About AAJA’s Scholarships
AAJA annually offers up to $20,000 in scholarships and grants to journalism students to help offset the costs of education, internships, living expenses and other opportunities. These scholarships are made possible by supporters such as AAJA members, allies and generous donors. To learn more about AAJA scholarships or donate, visit https://www.aaja.org/news-and-resources/scholarships-internships/.
