About me
I am currently a general assignment reporter at the Mid Valley Times located in Reedley, California. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in journalism and media communication and political science, with a concentration in U.S. government, law and policy.
I am a diligent news reporter and editor who is driven to journalism by the joy of sharing important information with the public and providing a platform for grassroots-focused stories and engagement. I grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, and have worked toward a career in journalism since I was 15 years old. As I gain more experience in the field, my passion for newswriting grows as I get to meet unique people, learn random facts about city infrastructure and write like crazy on deadline.
With more than three years of professional reporting experience, I have focused my coverage on local government and politics, cultural events, breaking news and in-depth reports on organizations and stories of personal resilience.
My newspaper experience is extensive. At The Rocky Mountain Collegian, CSU's student newspaper that is consistently recognized as one of the best college publications in the country, I was an editor in chief, managing editor, news editor, copy editor, photographer and reporter. I directed digital and print productions, made tough editorial decisions and responded to the needs of the community. At the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, the oldest paper in Cheyenne, I covered a variety of topics, working to localize national issues and shine a light on important events within the area.
News philosophy
I firmly believe the act of journalism as a public service is one of the most valuable ways we can change the world for the better. As a student of journalism and political science, I have seen through my education, professional experience and personal life that there is nothing more important to our democracy and local communities than the open, trusted exchange of information.
Awards
Society of Professional Journalists, Region 9 Mark of Excellence Awards, 2020:
Winner, Online News Reporting - Serena Bettis & Laura Studley, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
for "Black Lives Matter: A 2020 protest timeline"
Winner, Feature Writing - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
for Transgender Awareness Week special edition
including my contribution "Breaking out of the binary: A journey to find the right words"
Winner, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2020-21 news editor
Winner, Online News Reporting - Serena Bettis & Laura Studley, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
for "Black Lives Matter: A 2020 protest timeline"
Winner, Feature Writing - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
for Transgender Awareness Week special edition
including my contribution "Breaking out of the binary: A journey to find the right words"
Winner, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2020-21 news editor
Society of Professional Journalists, National Mark of Excellence Awards, 2020:
Finalist, Feature Writing - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
Finalist, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
Finalist, Feature Writing - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
Finalist, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
Society of Professional Journalists, Region 9 Mark of Excellence Awards, 2021:
Finalist, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2021-22 content managing editor
Finalist, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2021-22 content managing editor
Society of Professional Journalists, Region 9 Mark of Excellence Awards, 2022:
Finalist, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2022-23 editor in chief
Finalist, Sports Photography - Serena Bettis, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
for "Big dunk"
Finalist, Best All-Around Newspaper - Staff, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2022-23 editor in chief
Finalist, Sports Photography - Serena Bettis, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
for "Big dunk"
2021-22 Hearst Multimedia Digital News/Enterprise Story Team Competition:
6th place - Laura Studley, Serena Bettis, Owen Johnson, Ben Spence, Colin Shepherd, Devin Cornelius, Lauryn Bolz
for "Becoming Kaz: A journey of self-acceptance" - contributing editor
6th place - Laura Studley, Serena Bettis, Owen Johnson, Ben Spence, Colin Shepherd, Devin Cornelius, Lauryn Bolz
for "Becoming Kaz: A journey of self-acceptance" - contributing editor
2021-22 College Media Association Pinnacle Awards:
Honorable Mention (4th place), Four-Year Weekly Newspaper of the Year, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2021-22 content managing editor
Honorable Mention (4th place), Four-Year Weekly Newspaper of the Year, The Rocky Mountain Collegian
at which time I was the 2021-22 content managing editor
Colorado Pro Chapter, Society of Professional Journalists
Recipient, Helen Verba Print Journalism Scholarship, 2021
Recipient, Helen Verba Print Journalism Scholarship, 2021
Colorado State University, Isabelle Arnold Journalism Scholarship
Recipient, 2020 & 2021
Recipient, 2020 & 2021
Colorado State University, JMC Ethical Practices in Journalism Award
Recipient, 2023
Recipient, 2023
