Writing Samples
These are the writing samples that I would like to highlight for my portfolio. To see all of my work, click the "More" button at the bottom of the page, which will take you to my profile on the InPrint website.
When I walked in to the newspaper classroom and my adviser told me "the seniors pulled a racist prank and I think that you're the person that should write about it," I was over-the-moon excited. This was the type of juicy breaking news that made journalists drool. I spent the entire day marching the halls, interrogating administration, students and teachers. This story reminded me why I love journalism.
Students dress as Latino gang members, teacher on administrative leave
This story was, by far, the hardest story I have ever written. I was terrified to do the interviews, and I struggled with drafts upon drafts. I wanted to portray Makenzie's character, not just focus on her illness. After a lot of hard work, I think that I achieved this goal. This story reminded me that journalism can be compassionate.
Eighth grader Makenzie Lawson battle leukemia
On the first day of school my junior year, when I was stuck in the lunchroom for secure mode for an hour and a half, my first thought was "how quickly can I get a story on the website?" The answer was, apparently, the next day. When rumors and questions spread, I referred everyone to the website, where they could read my story and get all the info they needed. This story reminded me that my job is important.
Bomb threat sends FHS into secure mode on first day of school
When I decided to cover eating disorders, I didn't know how to go about it; it seemed to be an impossible story. I ended up talking to a friend about their history, and it was one of the most impactful interviews of my life. It moved me to tears, and I knew that I had to get this story out, for my friend. This story reminded me that I can be a voice for those without one.
Former eating disorder sufferer discusses their history
When I attended the 2019 MHSAA Hockey Final and Semifinal games, I sat near a student section that bullied the opposing team's players. I was outraged— why was this behavior acceptable? Why was no one stopping them? I immediately texted my editor, asking her if I could write an opinion story for the website. This story reminded me that my voice, my writing, can create change.
Opinion: student sections at sporting events are too rowdy
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Government shutdown doesn't currently pose threat to local schools
Swim coach Brad Jones hits 300 wins
Everyone has an Achilles heel, and mine just happens to be sports. When I found out I was writing about a milestone in our school's beloved swim coach's career, I nearly cried, then nearly cried again when I won an honorable mention for it at MIPA. This story reminded me that I can learn from my weaknesses, and I'm my own harshest critic.
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This was the very first story I ever wrote, and I'm not exactly proud of it. I wrote it under the supervision of an editor, and even interviewed with him by my side, afraid of interviewing the nonbelligerent robotics adviser by myself. Despite this, this story reminded me how much I've grown as a journalist.