My name is Addison Pendegraft, I’m 16-years-old and a rising Junior at Johns Creek High School. I was born in a village in New York, but then moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and I’m now living in Georgia. I want to be a journalist, preferably a section editor, and an editor for novels! And I’m a really big reader, usually reading five or six books at a time. I also really like to volunteer, and I’m managing a book drive right now, which is very exciting. I’ve always enjoyed literature since I was little, often I’d rush through my handwriting classes in favor of getting more reading time. Despite that, I’d like to think I’m quite a diligent person in school, with my super stellar grades and nerdy glasses. And I perform aerial silks, which is like airborne gymnastics and very, very tricky. Though, I used to be much more active, playing soccer and horseback riding, before my asthma got worse as I grew older.

I joined my school’s newspaper class as a freshman, so I had to apply during 8th grade, which was a bit intimidating as a middle schooler. I was encouraged by my 9th grade honors English teacher, who was super supportive of me, even going so far as to write me a recommendation letter for my application. I was pretty nervous to join, but it turns out that I thankfully wasn’t the only new member. Apparently, all but one of the staff from the previous year were seniors or had quit, including the teacher. The returning member also didn’t receive any training, so it was a huge learning curve for us. Our class was also super small, with only 11 staff members total, so we each had to write and design two articles and pages per issue, all while figuring out the grammar rules, how to use the website and keeping a pretty strict schedule. A really notable issue for us was learning how to use Indesign, which gave the entire class a lot of trouble and is the vain of my existence along with chemistry. We eventually figured it out though, and if I could give a class an award for “most Improved” that year, I’d think we would be the winners.

My sophomore year went a lot smother, we got more staff members, going from 11 to 17! And I was appointed to the section editor of A&E and News sections in the newspaper, which was really thrilling for me. Editing has always been a passion of mine, so to be able to edit so often has been a real gift. I’ve also been assisting with and managing our newspaper, The Chariot’s website, which has been a cool learning experience for me and will definitely help me in the future. Last year we were able to double the amount of issues printed and heavily improve our writing, design and the overall theming and topic of the newspaper issue. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot more with this bigger staff this year, utilizing all of the trial and error we endured before. And it’s been such an incredible experience getting to witness my friends, who also only joined the class in the previous year, grow in skill and passion as we’ve gotten to know each other.

Now I’m a rising junior, and our staff will have 27 members. I truly can’t express how proud I am of the original staff and friends for how much we’ve grown together, especially during such harrowing times. I’m really happy that I was brave enough in 8th grade to apply. Not only has this class given me a bunch of opportunities, but it’s allowed me to make amazing friends, which I’m so grateful for. Next year, when I’m a junior, I’ll continue my role as a section editor and be promoted to the official manager of the website with a small team to lead. I’ll also be co-managing our social media with a fellow rising junior and probably helping all the new members as they learn to stand on their own. All of this is in preparation to hopefully take the role of EIC as a senior, which has been my ultimate goal since I decided to apply.

I hope when I’m in college, that I’ll be able to use my experience with The Chariot to improve and develop the school’s newspaper to the best of my abilities. Not only working for the newspaper, but in all my life I’ve strived to be the best I can be and work hard to achieve my goals and dreams. I’ve really been putting my all into my work at school and I really hope my diligence and experiences further my opportunities in the future. I’m quite scared for hereafter, but I think I’m already pretty close to my goal, hopefully.

What’s going on everybody my name is Anthony West, and I am a 16 year old rising senior at Natchez Early College Academy in Natchez, Mississippi. I am the oldest on my mom side and I am the youngest on my Dads’ side. Born and raised in Natchez, I have been shaped by a strong family legacy, passion for sports, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around me.

Since 2009, Natchez has been the place I have proudly called home. Although it is a small city of around 14,500 people, it is rich in history, and my family’s contributions have played a crucial role in its’ history. As I got older, I have developed a deeper sense of appreciation for the legacy that generations of the West Family has built in our community.

My great-granddad, George Ferdinand West Sr., was a major civil rights leader and he eventually became the first African American elected to Natchez Board of Aldermen since the Reconstruction era. Following his passing, my great-grandmother, Artimese Tarlton Morris West, continued that legacy of public service by becoming the first African American alderwoman in the City of Natchez. Their leadership helped pave the way for future generations and demonstrated the importance of courage, service, and perseverance

My granddad, James Tolbert West, is the owner of West Gate Funeral Home. A family business that has served the people of Natchez for generations. Originally known as West Funeral Home, the business was closed for several years before my granddad purchased and reopened it on July 4, 2013. Since then, West Gate Funeral Home has continued its tradition of serving families throughout the community with compassion and professionalism. The moto that we stand by is “Legacy & Care” because the rich history of the funeral home is from the “Legacy”, and the “Care” is because everybody is somebody no matter who you are and where your from. We all need a shoulder to lean on during a time of need. Growing up around a family business that values service has taught me the importance of dedication, hard work, responsibility, and caring for others.

Education has also played a huge role in my journey. I have attended Susie B. West Elementary School, which was named after my great-great-grandmother. Having a school named in honor of a member of my family has always reminded me that we have so much history with our last name. We must cherish it and build upon it just like my ancestors did during their time. Following elementary school, I went to Robert Lewis Magnet School for sixth grade during Covid, before going to Cathedral School for seventh and eighth grade.

In middle school I was finally able to play football. A sport that has a tremendous influence on my life. My love for football began when I was six years old. It all started when my granddad gave me a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt. At the time, I had no idea that a simple gift would spark a lifelong passion. Football has provided countless memories with family and friends and has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, determination, leadership, and life itself.

My passion for the game of football never faded. My parents challenged me to play with greater intensity and commitment. When I stopped playing, I continued to dream about being involved in the sport in some way. Overtime I realized that if I could not play football I wanted to talk about it, write about it, or work within the industry. Whether that be as a sports journalist, broadcaster, analyst, or sports agent. I hope to build a future connected to the game that has inspired me for so many years.

Outside of football, I am actively involved in track and field and choir. I have competed in track since middle school, and each year I have worked hard to improve my speed and performance. Track has taught me the value of consistency, discipline, and perseverance. In addition, I enjoy singing in the choir, which many people would consider my hidden talent. Music has given me another outlet for self-expression and personal growth.

As I prepare to enter my senior year of high school, I am motivated by both my family’s legacy and my own ambitions. The West family has made meaningful contributions to Natchez through leadership, service, education, and community involvement. I hope to honor that legacy by pursuing my goals with the same determination and commitment that my ancestors demonstrated before me. No matter where life takes me, I want to continue making my family proud, serving my community, and creating a legacy of my own for future generations.

Hello! My name is Kirsten Jolly, and I am a rising senior attending New Manchester High School, located in Douglasville, Georgia. In school, I am recognized as a dedicated member, and ambassador of our magnet arts program: F.A.M.E, under the visual arts department, I am President of my school’s Social Media Club, and Debate Team, and Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief of my school’s digital magazine, The Jaguar Journal.

While my journalistic journey not always been as clear, as it is now my constantly evolving passion for journalism has certainly reshaped avenues of my high school career.

My journalistic journey, like many great things, started quiet, small, and unintimidating. My sophomore year, I joined a club, or two, discovered UGA’s G.S.P.A, learned to combine both of my passions for writing, and art, and found my love for graphic design and visual storytelling. Gradually, and unbeknownst to me, my activities began to shape me into the person I am proud to be today. I learned to hone my skills in a unique light, and discovered the true purpose of my voice: to make a difference.

Moving into my junior year, I expanded my sights towards leadership positions, and with that newfound power, I took the time to contribute towards the things I believed truly mattered. I fought to combat harsh stereotypes that stifled the success of my peers, and I actioned this through founding a digital magazine at my school.

This gave my peers the ability to take control of the narrative that dictated their perception, instead, representing them in a positive light.

Through the majority of my junior year, I worked closely alongside Social Media and Debate Club advisor, Ms.Serena Robertson, who soon grow to be a true inspiration and mentor for my story to come. She emboldened me as a leader to be headstrong and confident in both my academic and personal pursuits. She shaped me, not only as a leader, but person.

As I move into my senior year, I realize that I, as well as most of my peers are beginning to plan the framework for the rest of our lives. Despite intimidation, and sheer fear, of the future, there is one thing, that I remain relentlessly confident in. I am confident that the anchor that has guided me towards so many passions of my life shall remain present. I shall continue to combat the stigmas, hone my skills, and represent confidence in all my future endeavors, allowing journalism to guide my life towards new avenues, and new horizons.

Hi, my name is Grace O’Rourke and I’m from California. In my free time I love to cheer at games, go to the beach, and volunteer at the animal shelter. Prior to taking the multimedia journalism course at UGA, I learned a little about journalism through online courses at Santa Monica city college, I took a broadcast journalism class at my high school, and most recently joined my school’s live news show. All of these experiences have given me knowledge that I hope I can apply to this course.

If you asked me more about what I do in my free time, I would tell you that it involves managing social media for a local barre fitness studio which consists of writing captions, designing graphics and figuring out what actually gets people to engage. This job started as a side gig but honestly taught me a lot about how to grab someone’s attention quickly, which feels pretty relevant to journalism.

I’m also really into local businesses. There’s just something about a small shop with a good owner. This is why I created a club at my school called Local Loop which shines a light on them, and it’s become one of my favorite things I’ve done.

I also enjoy volunteering at local animal shelters, which has genuinely been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done. The main point of it is to show up and helping in any way that I can; you can always support whether that means adopting/fostering or donating used towels/blankets

Outside of that I cheer, which keeps me busy and social in a way that balances out the other things that I do more behind the scenes.

I really got into journalism because I like telling stories about real people and real places, especially the stories that don’t always make the news but honestly probably should. I think I’m specifically most drawn to broadcast, mostly because I love the idea of being in the middle of a story as it’s happening rather than catching up to it later.

I still have a lot to learn and room to grow in all of these areas I’m involved in, but that’s just about a random mix of things I enjoy participating in.

Hi, I’m Fiona! I’m a rising junior at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California where I perform, write, garden and play water polo. I’ve been a goalie for M-A’s varsity water polo team since freshman year and performed in multiple BearStage Drama productions including this year’s production of Chicago in which I played June. I am a huge music nerd and love to talk about singing technique, music production and songwriting. To relax I like to read, watch movies, crochet, hang out with my dog and repair clothes.

I grew up listening to my dad play music all the time: before he left for work, in the evenings, and before I went to sleep. It evidently rubbed off on me as I now sing, write music, and play piano and guitar. Music has been one of the major ways I’ve connected with people throughout my life, from sharing the interest with my dad, to forming lasting friendships with bandmates and bonding over favorite artists with new friends.

Of my interests, theater takes up the majority of my time. It’s been one of the most formative parts of my life and has taught me to improvise in high-pressure situations, balance enjoying myself with working hard and be more attuned to the needs of my mind and body. Some of my favorite productions to perform have included Hadestown and She Kills Monsters. The experiences I had in each were very different–in Hadestown (a modern interpretation of a greek myth about doomed lovers Orpheus and Eurydice), I was one ensemble member in a huge cast with an incredible tech and stage crew team behind us. Contrastingly, She Kills Monsters (a fantastical DnD inspired play set in the 90s) was a tiny production in which I played the lead, choreographed and taught all the fight sequences, and helped with various technical and stage design aspects. These opposing experiences taught me a lot: I learned how to work as a part of a large team and take up as little space as I could, and how to step into a leadership role and own my contributions to a project.

When I’m not rehearsing, training or studying I spend a lot of time thinking about sustainability. Visible mending is an important component of that because not only does it keep clothes out of the landfill but it strengthens peoples’ relationships with their wardrobes and acts as a physical conversation starter about environmentalism and the fashion industry. When I mend clothes, I hope the impact extends beyond my wardrobe (or that of whoever’s clothing I’m mending), and into my community and environment.

While I love to talk music, mending and performing, my favorite thing is to hear about other people’s passions. If you see me around, I’d love to hear about the parts of your life that have impacted you the most!

Good morning my name is Samuel C. Crumly. I was born in Marietta, Georgia in Piedmont hospital in June 2009. I am the youngest of seven children to Jonathon and Kimberly Crumly. Before I was born my parents decided to homeschool the entire family so that they could see their children’s growth, and educate them in a Christian way. They wanted to send us to a Christian school but they did not have enough money at the time to do this.

When I was very young I broke both of my arms, and because of this I had to be in a cast for a whole year of my early development. Because of this my hand coordination skills have always been lacking. I have dysgraphia, which is a mental disorder where everything in my brain is shifted to the right, leading me to be terrible at sports like basketball, volleyball and football. I should be horrible at drawing because of this disorder, but because I kept with it the majority of my life I am a decent artist now, or at least that’s what my mom says. I was homeschooled from kindergarten to the 8th grade, but after four of my siblings moved out of the house and started living on their own they sent my brother and I to the Stonehaven upper school. This school was started in the early 2000s and they started their high school in 2016. Personally I like to learn about modern history, global news and work out. In my free time I will sometimes play around with legos, or take my dog Bear on a walk. I like picking up other hobbies as well, like learning how to skateboard and surf, but I recently quit skating because I got hit by a car while skating down a hill, so I probably won’t be doing anything like that anytime soon.

I am 16 years old, a sophomore in high school. I am on the varsity Track team at this school, I’m not super fast but I’m fast enough to be competitive. In 10th grade I worked to start the student newspaper, the first newspaper at this school. I have worked to keep it afloat for the past year, the newspaper has around 12 people writing. The name of the newspaper is the Stonehaven Spotlight. This year my brother graduated from high school and from his role as captain of the Track and Field team. For the summer I am working at the school to repair the building. We paint walls, fix doors and repair dry wall. I started getting into journalism when I was around 14 because I remember seeing people fight over this or that thing. Not for any real reason besides them just having different information, both of the people fighting were very reasonable people. I always thought that kind of thing was dumb, and I thought it would be cool to be one of the voices educating people about stories they haven’t heard before. I want to tell stories about things that people who are genuinely curious, and who want to learn more about the stories of people around the world.

My main goal in my career is to do on scene international reporting, to see the world, to let people know what’s going on in places they cannot reach on their own. Working in some form of broadcasting for international events would also be extremely interesting. I’ve started learning some basic levantine Arabic, because one of the main requirements for international reporting is being bi-lingual. This is my main goal with my career and it will happen one day. I want to educate people who are interested in learning about these places. People should know what happens around the world and how it affects the average Joe across the world. Because even if it is reletively nice over here, the same could not be said about many other places, and their stories deserve to be heard as much as ours do.

Hi, I’m Kaya Collins. I’m 17 years old and soon starting my senior year at Forsyth Central High School. I’ve lived in Forsyth County my entire life and I love it but can’t wait to leave and experience more. I have one younger brother starting 8th grade in the fall and a dog named Ozzy. My dad is from upstate New York and my mom is actually from Poland. Having a parent who came to the U.S. on her own at an age younger than I am now has completely changed my perspective on the world, people and how to live your life fully. I’ve learned that anything really is possible and if you want to do something badly enough in your life, you’re able to accomplish it if you try. I also think it’s really important to find something that you love to do the rest of your life instead of working mindlessly at a job you dread until retirement.

I don’t actually plan on going into journalism once I graduate high school. I’ve always struggled with not being good at the things I enjoyed and then being good at things I don’t have a huge passion for. The closest I got to finding something that checked both of those boxes was writing. Specifically writing for absolutely anything sports related – sports journalism. That was it, my plan. I figured I could be decent at it and wouldn’t mind pursuing a career in it for the rest of my life. Then came the questions and grilling. Adults always asking, “So what job do you want to have?” or “Where is that job going to take you and what do you want it to do for you?”, and then one day somebody asked me why. “Why do you want to write?”. I couldn’t come up with an answer. That’s how I knew I wasn’t going to write for the rest of my life. I have so much respect for good writers and I enjoy it myself, but I was finally able to decide that it wasn’t truly a career I saw myself in.

I do also play a sport. I’ve run three years so far for our high school track and field team and it’s the most incredible experience. The connections that you make with people from the long meets and cold practices together are something so valuable that it’s hard to express. The thought of next year being our last together is almost crippling. I really don’t know who I would be without running and the people I met through it so it will always be a little part of any personal statements or pieces I write.

I may not become a writer but writing will always be apart of me and act as an outlet for all of the stories that I’ll experience and collect as I keep getting older.

Hi, I’m Morgan! I am now going into my second year as a graduate student at the University of Georgia, pursuing a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I recently earned my Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, along with a minor in sociology and a certificate in News Literacy, from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at UGA.

I’ve always had a passion for mass communication. My interest began in middle school when I participated in our morning show broadcast. That interest continued through high school, where I was a member of the journalism staff for four years. During my first two years, I worked in broadcast for the daily news announcements. Later, I launched my high school’s newspaper and produced new digital storytelling content, including producing video and audio storytelling for the website. 

During my undergraduate years at Grady College, UGA, I had the opportunity to engage in many rewarding experiences. While I can’t name them all, here are just a few. I interned as a Digital Producer for The Oglethorpe Echo, where I developed strategies to promote special coverage and features. I also did numerous internships, providing weekly analytics and creating content.

One of the most meaningful projects I worked on was a documentary titled “‘We Will Rise:’ The Story Of The Apalachee High School Shooting.” I served as one of the producers and social media producers for this project, creating social content and conducting in-depth research and interviews, while collaborating closely with my team. This documentary not only allowed us to support a hurting community in need in a meaningful way, but it also earned a Student Production Emmy Award.  I also interned for The Christian Index through the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation Digital Natives Internship. Where I created content for their digital newspaper and newsletter.

Through my academic and professional experiences, I have worked skillfully to tell the stories that need to be told through digital media while increasing audience engagement and increasing journalism’s role in society.