The Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Taylor Polly

WJMC Alumn 2025, YAB 2026

Sydney Westphal is a current junior at the Barstow School in Kansas City. She is a dedicated student journalist and works to uncover stories in her position as a chief editor of the yearbook, an executive producer of the Barstow television network, and a writer for the school newspaper. She loves photography and graphic design, and she hopes to work as a photojournalist one day. In her free time, Sydney enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Taylor Polly

WJMC Alumn 2025, YAB 2026

Taylor is currently a junior at Barron Collier High School and a dual enrollment student at Florida SouthWestern State College in Naples, Florida. At her high school, she is a member of the danceline team and has been since her freshman year. She is also the current president of the BCHS Drama Club, as well as a newly inducted member of the National Honor Society. Taylor is a Publix employee and has worked with the company for almost three years, and has also worked as a student intern at Gulfshore Playhouse, a regional theatre in her area, for a year. Taylor attended WJMC in the summer of 2025, where she had one of the best experiences of her life. She is very excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Youth Advisory Board for the program this year!