From Athlete to Advocate

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 ~ kaylamurden0622 ~ Leave a comment

Florida State and University of Georgia graduate Karmen Morrison uses her skills in the communications and journalism industry and being a graduate assistant. Morrison grew up in Jacksonville, Florida playing basketball, volleyball and flag football throughout high school.

“What drew me from sports to journalism? When I was in high school, I was asked to do a lot of interviews about school and sports. I was in an early college program, so people were asking me a lot about that. I ended up being the Female Athlete of the Year of my city. So I did a few different interviews for that, and I had fun doing it. I was the interviewee, obviously, but I enjoyed it. And I was like, I think I could probably do this. So that’s where I got my start. ”

In high school being an involved student athlete, Morrison said she saw the difference between men’s and women’s sports quickly.

When going to Florida State majoring in media communications studies, she used her social media platforms to advocate for women’s sports. With women’s sports on the rise right now, it’s important to see other women and previous athletes show support. Female athletes deal with more pressures than men as professionals. For example,

when you’re a woman people will criticize your looks, skill, background, race and sexuality.

“I’m on social media, so I share my opinions,” Morrison said, adding that one interview she conducted was really powerful to her. “I got to talk to Lonnie Alameda. She’s their head softball coach, very, very renowned coach. And this was following a very late game. So I asked her, what’s your opinion on you guys playing really late? And she was very open, honest, blunt about it. It’s probably one of my favorite interviews I’ve done. She spoke about a lot of the things that could change with the Women’s College World Series, and so I included that stuff in my package.”

Morrison expresses herself through sports journalism and takes pride in women’s sports, whether it’s on social media, the stories she does, or just little quotes. Morrison mentioned that tennis is one of the only sports to pay women and men equally, at least in the majors. She thinks it’s important, but just a small step.

Morrison believes no matter race, age, or gender, representation matters. Even though she calls herself a rookie she likes to share what she knows with younger people to help them become better than what she is.

“I think for me, one thing that irritated me, is we had a good football team when I was there, and they would always get free shirts. But we were districts champs year after year, and I’m like, why we aren’t we getting free shirts? What’s going on?” This is one example of how something simple can make a difference. Looking beyond the sport, it’s the principle of it not being equal for the girls and boys teams.

“And I think for me, representation matters. Obviously, I’m a black woman, so you got to be able to reach back and show little girls, even little boys, and show them what’s possible. I think it’s really about representation at the end of the day.”

Not Your Average Joe!

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 ~ madiken55288 ~ Leave a comment

By: Madison McKenzie

Who is Joe Dennis? A husband, a father, a Kesha fan man and fedora lover.

“I got my start in college when my Summer orientation leader said he needed a volleyball reporter and I had a crush on a girl who was on the team,” Joe said.

Joe got his start at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois as a volleyball reporter, with no background on the sport.That didn’t stop Joe from stepping up to the plate and hoping to talk to his crush.

After he had some time and practice, Joe eventually picked up journalism as a minor and you can tell his feeling toward it changed from “I don’t want to do it” to something he can say he enjoys. His long term professor and mentor at Grady College, Conrad Fink, whom he gives thank to.

“He really believed in me and my writing like no one ever has and he showed me how good I really am, and he said that I should really do this. He really believed in me,” Joe said.

His mentor gave him what he needed to hear in order to become the great writer he is today.

“When I was working in Monroe, on Tribune here in Georgia I interviewed this judge who was a local judge who needed a liver transplant, and so we continuously did story updates like every month,” Joe said “The way we started these updates was where he was on the waiting list for a liver transplant. So we did about four or five stories on him and just tracking how he declined each month and tying in to that the importance of organ donation in each story. And he died before he got the chance to get a liver transplant. I’ll never forget the day he died.”

This led him to become an organ donor. Joe believed that “there was no reason for this man to die.” He believes no one should have to wait to live life. Joe is a very caring person who is very in tune with his feelings.

Joe also picked up the new habit of cooking. Cooking dishes from his Filipino culture, he enjoys making a coconut dubbo, pancit and lumpia, which is Filipino egg rolls, and Filipino bbq. He recently asked his mom for new recipes from his culture.

“How much soy sauce do I need,” she says “Enough.” Joe responded “Well how much is enough?” His mom responded “Enough is enough.”

In addition to writing and cooking, he listens to Kesha in his spare time.

“She’s someone who I feel is very inspiring because of her history, she has really overcome a lot in her life and has persevered,” Joe said.

He gets pumped up by listening to the Kesha song “Blow” which, in his words, help him “dominate the day” and “get the party started.” He loves her lesser known songs as well, songs like “Raising Hell,” where he believes it’s a song about her standing up for her rights.

He mentions the song “Praying.”

“That song is just so emotional, so heartfelt. It’s a song where someone hurt her so deeply, she’s actually praying for that person so it just shows a lot of forgiveness.” Some things just resonate with Joe.

Edie Ash

June 16, 2025June 17, 2025 ~ eashf244ecabe0f ~ Leave a comment

Peer, student journalist and coffee fanatic are all things I can use to describe myself. From UGA Football games to neighborhood music festivals, being an Athens, Georgia native played a significant role into the shaping of my self identity.

Growing up in Athens, I was constantly surrounded by the music, art, food and culture of the diverse town. I was exposed to a variety of people with backgrounds exceptionally different than mine, which is ultimately what led me to journalism. I was intrigued by the idea of telling the stories of the people who made up the community that I love.

My journalistic journey didn’t start until my freshman year when I joined my schools magazine- the ODYSSEY Media Group at Clarke Central High School. Though I intended on furthering my journalistic skills, I primarily joined to get involved with my school community. I was unaware of the true impact practicing journalism would have on me, and how it would change my outlook on numerous topics. The stories I witnessed the upperclassman in my publication report on inspired me to come back my sophomore year, in hopes that I too could have the same impact. From politics to natural disasters, I was shocked by their ability to cover such mature topics with an exceptional amount of professionalism.

Following the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, I read what felt like endless articles covering the political controversy sparked by the incident. It wasn’t until I read an article published by a student journalist at my school that I truly felt seen, heard and understood as a student. It was then that I was able to grasp the true importance and impact student journalists have on their community, and the essential role they play in ensuring that the student body is heard in a time where we often feel like the last priority.

As I continue my journey as a student journalist, I have made it my mission to be an outlet for student voices, opinions and stories. Not only this, but in a way that is diverse, accurate and balanced. It is the student body that shapes me as a journalist.

Madison McKenzie

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 ~ madiken55288 ~ Leave a comment

Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia in 2008, and later moved to McDonough in 2012 when my little sister was born. All my life I knew I wanted to do something that was important to me, but I wasn’t sure what that was. I ran track since elementary school then stopped because I felt overwhelmed with it, just to go back to it in 11th grade. In my years of down time, I joined my high school’s dance team and left which led me too the school’s step team, where I later became captain. After I left the step team I finally joined color guard and I feel like that was one of the best things I’ve done in my high school career.

Starting in 9th grade, I had a teacher named Mr.Usry. He was a real important part of why I enjoy writing today. Poems specifically, he encouraged me to be able to express myself in a way I didn’t think I could. Saying how I felt was always hard for me but writing them out wasn’t. This sparked the want to become a writer. I feel as if I could speak to the public and connect with people that are going through the same things that I am going through and/or experienced.

Today, I have a good 10 (or more) poems based on emotions, and things I’ve noticed about certain lifestyles. I would have more but I got busy and stopped writing for some reason.

I’m not sure when I made the decision that I want to become a news reporter/television personnel, but I know since then I’ve always had my heart set on those goals. I want to major in journalism and minor in hospitality management because not only do I want to write books and become a news reporter, but I also want to own my own hotel chain. I’ve been told I have the personality to do both, so that’s exactly what I am going to work towards. I believe if I continue to work toward my goals, I will get what I really and truly want.

There have been two outlets for me. Other than writing poems from my feelings, I’ve been dancing on my color guard team, known as the Flying Redz. I started late 9th grade going into 10th grade and I’ve absolute loved it ever since. As I’ve continued, my love for the sport has grown more and more and I really and truly thank one specific coach and my captains for seeing something in me. Fast forwarding to today, I am the captain of the Flying Redz for my last year of high school. I can say that this team will forever hold a special place in my heart and when I graduate I pray that they continue to grow and get bigger.

Sara Anderton

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 ~ andertonsg ~ Leave a comment

Hello There,

My name is Sara Anderton. I’m learning American Sign Language along with Hebrew. Once I finish those two languages I hope to learn Ancient Greek, Aramaic, Arabic, Irish Gaelic and if I have time maybe some Hindi or Spanish because my mom was a Spanish teacher. I am the person who will know the most when someone faints or has a seizure; I’m also most likely to faint with my vasovagal syncope. I love learning cultures and religions. I love to learn in general, so I love journalism where I can learn even more. My family is a big advocate for education for all.

Additionally, I’m Jewish-Christian which basically means I believe in Jesus but I keep kosher and celebrate the holidays. Just think I know Lord’s Prayer and Shema. I study Tanakh (Old Testament) and Brit Chadashah (New Testament). Celebrating both religions is just fun for me and gets me connected to my faith. How I practice isn’t for all but it is for me and I’m proud of my faith. I also go to church in my school so that’s fun.

I hope to go into journalism either with a small company or with NPR over the radio. I’ve been writing for my Newspaper “Fuquay Varina’s Roaring Bengal” since freshman year. I’ve written about faith, to infrastucture, to school events. I know a lot about boats, space and planes because of these articles. My most notable works are my JDRF (now Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes) walk article and my four part series on the different religious holidays in spring. I was a part of a workshop called Post 5 where I worked with WRAL, a local news station in North Carolina. I got to see broadcast journalism. I learned a lot from them, especially what I want to do and what I don’t want to do.

I am a writer with a book published on Amazon. I write fantasy war stories, mixing religions (hints: my own faith) and cultural stories where I create a whole new place. I also work on the sci-fi and romance genre which can be difficult. One has many of many ideas but no plot. I’ve made tons of maps out of rice and don’t have enough stories for them. I use what I got from my day for some of my stories especially if someone does something particularly funny.

I love dogs. My yorkie-poodle, Tessa is my little sister. I’m an only child of only children so the dog is worth it. I got her in fourth grade after fostering many other dogs from boxers to terriers. Tessa’s full name is Pequina Tessora Trouble Anderton. Her first name is Spanish for little treasure. Spanish names for dogs are a trend in my family. When I was a baby we had a dog named Quesi (Kacy), short for Hermosita Quesi which means definitely cute. We foster with Second Chances Pet Adoptions. I’ve fundraised for them with my school’s Pet Parade. I wasn’t the first with the idea but I continued it and I hope that another shelter gets money from the parade again.

Maggie Liu

June 16, 2025June 17, 2025 ~ maggieliu667 ~ Leave a comment

Hello, I’m Maggie and I’m a rising sophomore at Northview High School. I’m 15 and I’m going to turn 16 in November. My favorite subjects are math and literature. My favorite artist is The Weeknd and I wish I was going to his concert this August, but my parents said no, unfortunately. I’m a real big extrovert and I love talking. Talking may as well be one of my personal hobbies, but one of my hobbies has sparked who I am now.

Growing up, I’ve always switch hobbies whether it was from ice skating, swimming, drawing, etc; however, I’ve never been able to say that they were my personal interests. I often went exploring different passions since I wanted to find my own, even if it was tedious, or complicated. I was so hesitant with each experience that I would quit, but then realize I made a mistake. This constant cycle left me feeling exhausted and discouraged, making it hard to start anything new without the nagging fear that I’d give up shortly after.

But over time, I began to realize that my fear of quitting was holding me back to do more things I wanted to do. It made me realize my love for reading and writing. When I was younger, I absolutely despised reading books and writing essays for classes. I loathed it with a passion. You would have never caught me even holding up a book in my free time. Now, reading is one of my favorite past times. I read when I wake up, in my break time, and when I’m about to go into deep slumber. Even in moments of exhaustion, I make an effort to read.

I get so attached to the stories inside those books, it makes me want to be in the physical book. It compels me to start writing new stories on Google Docs. Even if it’s not the best plot or writing, it tells a story. It lets me release the fumes that reaches into my head.

Besides reading and writing, I love being able to communicate with others, whether it’s about their feelings or just random side chats. Talking with people has always been something that releases my emotions and I honestly couldn’t be more grateful.

Cora Williamson

June 17, 2024June 18, 2024 ~ Cora Williamson ~ Leave a comment

Leprechaun, Ed Sheeran, Coral, Coco, Cora Bora…I’ve heard it all. But despite my extremely Irish complexion and a name that’s impossible to create nicknames for, I think it’s best you know me as Cora. I am 16 years old and a rising junior at the Durham School of The Arts in Durham, North Carolina. Given the fact that it’s the “School of The Arts” I am required to have two artistic pathways, and the two that I have chosen to follow are journalism and creative writing! Ever since I was a kid I’ve had a great affinity for story telling; whether it be through imaginary play, acting or writing, I found a way to get the many stories swirling in my head out into the world. Now that I’ve matured and I have new methods of story-telling, I no longer find talking to myself as a “sane” outlet and my creativity has become much more technical, though just as strong. I first took interest in journalism the summer before my freshman year, which was heavily inspired by Rory Gilmore and her devoted journalistic spirit throughout the entire Gilmore Girls series. I’m on my schools paper and have recently found that I enjoy writing features on local businesses or pop-cultures role in mental health. I hope to pursue a career in journalism or at least a career that requires me to write. With luck I will be going to UNC Chapel Hill to guide me into that field.

On a more personal note, I have a large variety of hobbies and interests that have rounded me into who I am. From ages 2-12, I did all kinds of dance, but after the pandemic I found that I enjoyed Aerial Silks the most so I have continued with that. I don’t do performances but it is a fun and niche side hobby for my weekday afternoons. I’m super interested in the fashion and streetwear scene therefore I’ve become a chronic thrifter. Of course, a thrift outing isn’t complete without at least two lattes. My coffee addiction has become a trademark characteristic of mine, which is a direct result, yet again, of Gilmore Girls. Gilmore Girls is my favorite series and the witty pop-culture comments and jittery energy of Lorelei and Rory quickly became one of the largest influences in my life. I’ve modeled a lot of my personality after them, along with many other cultural influences like Jeff Buckley, The Dead Poets Society, Lala Land, Juno, Arctic Monkeys and Pinterest, just to name a few. Some of my other smaller interests are sewing, reading, crocheting, photography and collaging.

Durham is a wonderful city to grow up in, especially because I live within walking distance from downtown. I live with both of my parents and have one older brother named Jack, with the most ginger hair you’ve ever seen, and our Pitbull/Rottweiler dog, Pete. I am thankfully surrounded by a lot of good friends that I spend most of my time with. Who else would I go shopping with! My best friend Emerson unfortunately goes to boarding school in Virginia but when she comes home on break it’s like no time has passed. There is so much more I could tell you about myself and all the lovely people who have influenced my life but you’ll just have to talk to me to find that out!