Emilia Kohnstamm
intern
Emilia Kohnstamm
Intern
Emilia Kohnstamm is a student journalist from Miami, Florida. She’s a rising senior, and aspires to major in Humanities or Political Science. As managing editor of her school’s newsmagazine, she’s been able to gain experience in interviewing, research and crafting captivating stories. She’s fascinated by investigative journalism as well as editorial. Outside of publication work, Emilia plays Varsity flag football, leads a branch of the Health Information Project, performs in a competitive theater troupe, and heads her school’s Film Club. She loves spending time with friends, listening to music, and cooking. She is beyond excited to bring her passion to the conference, work with the correspondents, and further develop her skills in communications.Â
Abigail is a graduating senior at Cosby High School. Although she has not decided where she will attend college yet, she plans to major in Journalism and Political Science to become a White House Correspondent (or maybe even a Press Secretary!). At school, Abigail is captain of the Speech & Debate Team, Head Editor of her school’s first newspaper, and a part of the Student Council Association. She also enjoys serving in leadership for many subject-based clubs. Outside of school, Abigail spends time horseback riding, volunteering, working as a lifeguard instructor and manager for SwimMetro, and arranging media for her local church. Her favorite activity to do with her friends is trying new cuisines. She is excited to come back to WJMC as an intern because her time as a Correspondent allowed her to gain new, exciting experiences and build valuable relationships.
Robyn Heninger is an aspiring journalist from Utah who will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree in journalism in the fall. She is especially interested in feature writing, editorial journalism, and investigative reporting, and enjoys exploring how storytelling can bring attention to important issues and voices within her community. Through her writing experiences, she has developed skills in research, interviewing, and crafting compelling narratives. Outside of journalism, Robyn studies ballet and plays the piano, pursuits that have strengthened her creativity and discipline. She looks forward to attending the 
Ella Beckman is currently a junior at Lightridge High School in Aldie, Virginia. She is a proud member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Quill and Scroll Honor Society, and the French Honors Society. At her high school, she takes part in Model UN, Mock Trial, yearbook, and varsity track and field. Her interests include reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends. She attended the second session of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference 2025 (#golimes) and had an amazing experience! She is thrilled to return as an intern and assist the new National Youth Correspondents during the 2026 sessions!
Eva just finished her first year at New York University! She is majoring in journalism and international relations with a minor in French, and is a staff writer for the Washington Square News, the university’s independent student newspaper. After attending WJMC in 2022, Eva joined her high school’s paper and fell in love with journalism. Remembering the connections and memories made during the conference, she’s so excited to meet this year’s correspondents!
Samantha is a Certified Journalism Educator who teaches journalism and English in State College, Pennsylvania, hometown of Penn State University. She advises State High Publications, which includes award-winning print and digital content, daily live broadcasts, and a yearbook recognized at both the state and national levels. Her program is known for blending high standards with student ownership, emphasizing ethical journalism, leadership, and apprenticeship-style learning experiences. Samantha serves on the board of the Pennsylvania School Press Association as webmaster and membership director and coordinates the Central Pennsylvania student journalism competition. She is passionate about student voice, media literacy, and helping young people tell powerful, meaningful stories.
Chandler is a U.S. History Teacher at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas. Earning his bachelor’s in communications at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chandler has worked within sports journalism for 5 years throughout college and eventually landed at ESPN, working in the SportCenter department. He earned his master’s in Christian ministry from Liberty University. Chandler has used media, production, and journalistic skills to find and tell compelling stories. He has served as a yearbook advisor in previous years as well as an ambassador for media projects within the classroom, encouraging his students to find and tell stories. He is a 2013 WJMC Alumni and enjoyed the connections and new experiences that came with the conference. In his free time, he enjoys having conversations about the gospel and religion, playing his guitar and mandolin, and running half-marathons on the weekends.