SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Valley Press Club held its 44th annual Roast Wednesday evening in Springfield, all for a good cause. The evening was dedicated to humor and the support of high school students with aspirations of pursuing a career in journalism. Annually, this gathering raises funds to provide scholarships to local students pursuing journalism in college. Ray Hershel and Kathy Tobin, who worked as reporters and news anchors for WGGB-TV, served as the emcees. Veterans in the industry gave words of wisdom to the young aspiring journalist in attendance. Peter Goonan of the Valley Press Club told 22News, "Accuracy, brevity, and clarity---the "ABC's" of journalism. I was in the field for 40 years, mostly with the Republicans and it was a terrific career. But it's also very hard. You have to be balanced and objective in how you report." Local News Headlines More than 360K early votes cast in Massachusetts Valley Press Club Roast raises funds for journalism students Springfield seeks resident input on improving internet access South Hadley police struggle with staffing shortages WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.