King/Lott Scholarship

The scholarship honors two NPPA members who worked as newspaper photojournalists. Each of them inspired contributions made in their memory.

Kit King was the Chief Photographer at The Spokesman-Review and Spokane Chronicle. Known for his gritty documentary style, King captured powerful, human-centered stories that resonated deeply with readers. His work earned national recognition from Pictures of the Year, the Society of Newspaper Design, and the National Headliners Association. Twice named NPPA Region 11 Photographer of the Year, King was admired for his compassion, professionalism, and dedication to visual storytelling. He died in a fishing accident in 1991.

Seattle Times photojournalist Jimi Lott was remembered for his deep compassion for society’s most vulnerable and for his ability to find humor and humanity through his lens. Over a two-decade career, he covered stories of poverty, homelessness, and mental illness with uncommon empathy, often spending hours with subjects before ever taking a photograph. His work earned him numerous honors, including the 1997 Pulitzer Prize as part of the Times’ investigative team on Boeing 737 safety, the Cowles Cup, multiple Associated Press awards, and recognition in Pictures of the Year International. Colleagues described Lott’s photographs as images that “looked into his subject’s soul.” He was known for his generosity, giving money, toys, and even computers to those in need. Beyond journalism, he was a passionate musician and a mentor to young photographers. He in 2005 at age 52.

The scholarship ensures that King’s and Lott’s legacies endure — encouraging future generations to combine technical excellence with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to giving voice to the overlooked.