Author: Allison Dodson
GRACE VELICHKA
Grace Velichka is a current junior at Wickliffe High School in Wickliffe, Ohio. She attended WJMC this past summer and is the editor of her school’s newspaper which recently started. She is a majorette for her high school, works with dogs on the weekends, and loves to read. She can’t wait to make WJMC an amazing experience for upcoming students!
GRACE CRUM
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2022
Grace is a Dean’s List and Faculty Honors student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in communications and biology. She is a rising junior on Georgia Tech’s cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams. She has a passion for science communications and public relations. She is excited to return to WJMC after attending in 2022, where she can contribute back to the program that means so much to her.
GRACE CRUM
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2022
Grace is a Dean’s List and Faculty Honors student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in communications and biology. She is a rising junior on Georgia Tech’s cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams. She has a passion for science communications and public relations. She is excited to return to WJMC after attending in 2022, where she can contribute back to the program that means so much to her.
FLINN BURRELL
Flinn Burrell is a junior from Houston, Texas. She is involved in the swim team, theatre, and the newspaper at her school. She loves to read Agatha Christie novels, get food with her friends, and listen to music. Most importantly, however, she loves to write! Flinn was first introduced to journalism last year when she joined her school newspaper, and she attended WJMC in 2022 to learn more about journalism and communications. She is so happy to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board and cannot wait to make WJMC 2023 the best conference yet!
FELIX CAO
Felix Cao is a high school senior from Lexington, South Carolina and is excited to serve on the 2023 Youth Advisory Board. Felix attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference in 2022 and found a passion in Business journalism. Outside of his journalism world, he enjoys playing guitar, read business books and learn something each day. He is enthusiastically to meet people with journalism potential in them and make many social connections and he sees them as opportunities.
ERNA DELICE
Erna Delice is a Senior at Inlet Grove Community High School. She is the Editor-In-Chief of her online student news site, an SGA member, a National Honor Society officer and she also runs a club called the Multimedia Club. As she gets older she would like to pursue her career in the broadcast journalism field. Erna loves every single second she had at WJMC. It helped her understand that anything is possible if you just work for it.
ETHAN ELDER
Ethan Elder is a high school junior from Maryville, Tennessee. He participates in Yearbook, Student Council, is a student correspondent for the local newspaper, and member of youth court. Ethan enjoys theatre and has performed in local and regional productions. Ethan is a member of the National Beta Club, 4-H Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, and 4-H All Stars. Beyond his education, including dual enrollment, Ethan enjoys volunteering with local service organizations, such as the Community Food Connection and Veteran’s Affairs. Ethan attended the 2022 Governor’s School for the Scientific Exploration of Tennessee Heritage and the 2022 Washington Media and Journalism Program. Ethan is excited to be back as part of the 2023 WJMC Team!
ERIN MCDERMOTT
Erin “Holly” McDermott is a senior at Indian Hills High School in Northern New Jersey. She had a fabulous experience at WJMC 2022 and aims to continue pursuing her journalism career through college. WJMC created some of the most vital connections, both personally and professionally. She is the current editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, Drumbeats, while contributing as a writer and photographer.
EMMA MURADO
Emma Murado attends Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro, New Jersey. She is in the Digital Media discipline, as well as being an editor for her school’s newspaper, and a delegate for Model UN. In Emily’s free time she loves to read, write, watch movies, and hang out with her friends. Through attending WJMC she was able to further explore her deep passion for journalism, and meet some amazing people!
EMILY WAKE
Emily Wake is a current senior in high school. She is the photo editor of her high school’s yearbook staff and is a correspondent for the school newsmagazine. She wants to major in photojournalism to eventually work for a travel magazine. Outside of school and her journalism ventures, she is the vice president of communications for her school’s BPA chapter and is starting her own podcast. She enjoys reading, writing, playing with her dogs, and hanging out with friends.