Category: Youth Advisory Board

Faith Smith is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland and attends Bullis High School in Potomac. She plans to study film with a minor in Chinese in college. Faith is an alumni of the 2025 Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) where she was the social media manager for the blue group. When Faith is not volunteering, studying, or taking active roles in various clubs she enjoys baking, reading, and doing yoga. WJMC played a key role in Faith’s career of journalism as well as making lifetime friendships while at camp and she can’t wait to watch 2026 youth correspondents do the same.

Abigail (Archer) Costigan is a junior at Coventry High School in Rhode Island. They attended WJMC in 2025 as a part of the light blue group (ice cold!) Besides writing they are involved with music and plays 7 instruments as well as writes original songs. WJMC was an incredible forming week of their life creating life long friendships and connections. They are excited to help make it better do everyone this year!

Emma Hoobler is an aspiring journalist from Manchester, Maryland. She first discovered her passion for journalism early in her high school career and hopes to go into political or investigative reporting. In her hometown, Emma is the president of the National English Honors Society, the president of her school book club, a member of the theater club executive board, the National Honors Society academic committee co-chair, a Carson scholar, and an honor roll student. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, writing, singing, and acting in her school theater productions. She attended WJMC the summer of her junior year and is so blessed to be welcomed back once again as a member of the Youth Advisory Board!

Emmanuel is a passionate student with a strong interest in journalism, media, and storytelling. He attended the 2025 Washington Journalism and Media Conference, where he developed his skills in reporting and public communication. Outside of academics, Emmanuel enjoys all things music, hanging with friends, and outdoor activities. He hopes to pursue a career that combines media, public relations, and creative expression.

Emilia Kohnstamm is a junior at Coral Gables Senior High School in Miami, Florida. She attended WJMC over summer 2025, and had a wonderful time exploring the D.C. area, developing her communication skills, and creating new connections with fellow correspondents. In her free time, she loves to play football, drums, and write. She’s incredibly excited to use her past experience to help further the program, and continue to learn from the incredible community at the conference!  

Ella Hart is a current senior from Roswell, Georgia. She plans to major in journalism and communications in college. Ella Hart is the editor-in-chief of her school’s yearbook and hopes to pursue a career in entertainment or political journalism. She is a proud WJMC alum, having attended in the summer of 2025. Ella Hart is incredibly grateful for the experiences WJMC gave her and is excited to continue being part of the program.

Ella Beckman is currently a junior at Lightridge High School in Aldie, Virginia, and is expected to graduate in 2027. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, and the French Honor Society. When she is not engaged with AP and DE work, you can find her at Varsity Track practice, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, or at yearbook. Her interests include reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends. She attended the second session of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference 2025 (#forlimer) and had the time of her life!

Eliza Germany is a junior at Kipp Atlanta Collegiate in Atlanta, Georgia. She previously attended session 1 of WJMC 2025. She is currently working on the VOX ATL Atlanta Teen Voices Fellowship and is on the Royal Onyx Dance Team at her school. Eliza wants to major in News Media with hopes of becoming a national news anchor. She is grateful and excited for the chance to shape an amazing experience for future national youth correspondents.