Category: Youth Advisory Board

Reaghan Weatherford is a senior at Triton High School in Erwin North Carolina. She is involved in BETA Club, LEO Club, JROTC, is a member of the cross country team, and interning at her local newspaper. She wishes to attend university and later work in International News Media. Reaghan loved her 2024 WJMC session and taught her the importance and impact of journalism. She is thrilled to continue being a part of the experience by serving on the Youth Advisory Board. 

Paxton Beidle is a junior at Nease High School in St. Augustine, Florida. He is in the Communications Academy where he works on Wired, his school’s daily news broadcast. He studies Film as part of his academic IB program. Paxton is an avid member of the speech and debate team and is passionate in history, political science, law, and communications. He attended WJMC 2024 and is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board.

Pasithea is a Junior at University High School in Tucson AZ. She is a photographer for her school’s yearbook and the president of her school Zine Club. Outside of school, Pasithea is actively involved in college prep activities and programs as well as a regular volunteer at the Pima County Teen Court program, local library, and community events. During her free time, Pasithea is an avid bibliophile, aspiring author, and photographer, she also loves spending time with her younger siblings and cats. Her dedication to writing and photography has led her not only to WJMC but also to other writing opportunities at the University of Arizona in her hometown; she is grateful for her experiences at WJMC and looks forward to contributing as a member of the Youth Advisory Board.

Paris Cheeks is an aspiring investigative journalist with a passion for uncovering hidden truths and bringing important stories to light. Driven by curiosity and a desire to hold power to account, Paris Cheeks is committed to digging deep into complex issues, from political corruption to social injustices.

Olivia has always had an interest in Journalism and recently she has started to enjoy sports journalists, now wanting to become one. Olivia was able to shadow her city’s most popular radio station host and that enhanced her love for broadcasting. In her free time she likes to read, she enjoys painting, cooking, and coloring while listening to music. Olivia went to WJMC last summer and had a great time and built amazing new friendships!

Noah Radio is a junior at State College Area High School in State College, Pennsylvania. He attended the second session of WJMC in 2024. His primary interest is sports journalism and he is the sports editor of his school newspaper. His ultimate career goal is to cover college basketball at a major multimedia outlet. Outside of journalism, he enjoys playing basketball and golf and spending time with friends.

Nikole Mortimer is a high school senior graduating a part of the class of 2025. She is a National Youth Correspondent from Panama City Beach, Florida. She plans to attend the University of Florida and major in Communications/Journalism and global affairs. She discovered her love for journalism her junior year when she signed up for her high school yearbook. But she didn’t know it was her passion till she was invited to be a part of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference. The following year she was elected vice chief just after one year in the yearbook. She loves photography and traveling with her friends and family. Nikole is ecstatic to be allowed to return to WJMC, and help students have as great of an experience as she did!

Natalya is a 2024 WJMC alumni who is from Lehigh acres, Florida. She is a current junior at Lehigh High Senior High school, and is apart of the center of arts and JROTC programs. She loves writing and reading and being involved in her community. WJMC was a major influence on her passion for writing and journalism. Outside of school, she loves hanging with friends and volunteering, and baking. She is excited to share her experiences and be apart of the youth advisory board!

Meghan Valanzola is ecstatic to be selected as a member of the WJMC Youth Advisory Board. She is a senior at Old Bridge High School, and attended WJMC Session 1. Besides her academics, Meghan is a frequent performer in the OBHS Drama Department, President of the OBHS Choir, member of six honor societies, and interned for her State Senator, Owen Henry. Meghan cannot wait to make WJMC 2025 as amazing as her experience in 2024 was!

Marina is a graduate of Bridges Preparatory School from Beaufort, South Carolina. She attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference the summer of July 2024. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors. She dreams to become an aspiring journalist or author.