Sophomore Elyse Luecke, GCAAtoday.com Assistant Editor-in-Chief, was selected to attend the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University in Washington DC. The conference is a week-long event that helps students understand and explore the realm of real-world journalism. During this conference as a National Youth Correspondent, Luecke will learn from professionals who work for the New York Times, USA Today, the Huffington Post, the Associated Press and other organizations.

“I’m really excited to get the experience and the once in a lifetime chance to actually work with different student journalists from different high schools as well as professionals in the media; to get the chance to work with them and learn journalism in the real world,” Luecke said.

Going to this conference will not only enrich Elyse’s knowledge about journalism, but also impact the staff as a whole. Travis Armknecht, student media adviser, said that this opportunity in itself is an honour.

“I’m excited by the aspect of Elyse being a rising junior to return with this new-found knowledge to share it with the remainder of our media staff to improve the quality of our coverage and the content of our writing,” Armknecht said.

The conference can help show Luecke the dynamics of the journalism industry, which she can incorporate into GCAA’s journalism program by communicating it with the staff, something Luecke said has taught her a lot.

“Being an editor gives me a good chance to understand what it’s like to communicate well with a staff and communicate with different people, as well as help people improve their work,” Luecke said. “I like it because they can give feedback as well and help me improve my work so it’s all kind of team work.”

Web Editor-in-Chief Jerell McCole, who graduates in May, recognizes the long-term impact this honor will have on GCAA Student Media.

“I feel as though Elyse is an amazing editor and journalist,” said McCole. “Graduating this year, I feel confident leaving GCAAtoday in her hands.”