Now a junior journalism major, Pfabe has been elected the executive director of Elon News Network for the 2026-27 academic year. Her path to the top leadership spot was a fast one, starting with a variety of roles in broadcast, web, and print. By the spring of her first year, she was already helping others get started as a new member coordinator.

“I helped new students get acclimated to ENN, responded to emails, and acted like I knew what I was doing,” Pfabe said.

Her passion for the craft actually goes back to her childhood. While she briefly considered psychology because she loved learning why people act the way they do, she realized journalism was a better way to learn others’ stories. She did morning announcements in elementary school and even acted as a reporter for Junior Achievement BizTown, which combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town.

“I think local news is one of the pillars of local community and society,” Pfabe said. “People trust their local news more than they trust their national news. There is such a value in having people that are constantly around and making those connections to tell stories, especially ones that don’t get told often.”

Pfabe finds inspiration in local reporters she grew up watching in Baltimore, like investigative reporter David Collins. She recalled being starstruck when she finally met him during an internship. She also looks up to Elon alumni who started exactly where she is now, such as Gary Grumbach ’16, a legal affairs reporter for NBC News, and Maya Eaglin ’19, an on-air reporter for MSNOW.

“They started where we’re starting, and their Elon education helped them get there,” Pfabe said. “That is so phenomenal.”

As she looks toward her new role, Pfabe wants to shift the focus toward community-facing initiatives. She plans to lead ENN in more outreach and volunteer events throughout Burlington and Graham to build relationships that are not just transactional.

“You’re going, and you’re volunteering in your community. You’re doing good, and you’re not getting a story out of it,” Pfabe said. “You’re just doing something for the community.”

Transparency is another major goal for the upcoming year. Pfabe said she wants to break down the mystery of how news is made and show the campus that the staff is juggling many responsibilities at once.

“There is this idea that we are journalists first and students second, but we’re journalists and students at the same time,” Pfabe said. “We are still learning, and we’re still doing schoolwork at the same time as we’re doing our stories. We have classes with the same people we’re interviewing.”

Inspired by real-world stories about the high-stakes race for valedictorian, student filmmakers and spent the past several years bringing to life “Valediction,” a feature-length film set to premiere on Wednesday, April 8, in .

A twisted coming-of-age comedy, this first-ever feature film by Elon �þ���s explores the dangers of apathy and obsession. The screening, scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m., will be followed by an informal reception.

“I think people should be excited for the screening because it’s the culmination of so many Elon students and faculty’s hard work over these past two and a half years,” said Martin, a strategic communications and cinema and television arts double major. “No matter your major, you will almost certainly see a familiar face or two onscreen or in the credits.”

What began as a concept rooted in academic pressure quickly expanded into a genre-bending, feature-length production – an uncommon scope for �þ��� filmmakers. Sherouse, a cinema and television arts BFA major, and Martin collaborated to develop an intricate story and cast of characters, ultimately committing to a longer format to fully realize their vision.

At the center of their story is Sam, played by , an isolated overachiever who fights her classmates tooth and nail for the title of valedictorian. The film draws inspiration from the competition surrounding academic achievement, a dynamic explored in Margaret Talbot’s 2005 New Yorker article that examines how the pursuit of valedictorian status can push students to extremes. Sherouse said he read the article years ago, and the subject stayed with him long after.

“To include everything we wanted in the story, it became clear to us that ‘Valediction’ had to be feature-length, rather than a short film like most Elon productions,” Sherouse said. “We knew it would be a long and arduous process, but worth it to bring this story to life.”

That extended scope also shaped how the story is told. A balance of satire and suspense drives the film’s tone, blending humor with unexpected twists.

“‘Valediction’ is simply a movie that’s meant to be seen by a large audience,” Sherouse said. “There are laughs, scares and shocking turns – a whole emotional rollercoaster that’s best experienced with friends. I guarantee there are some twists you won’t see coming.”

As the premiere approaches, the scale of that effort is giving way to reflection.

Martin expressed pride in what the team accomplished and excitement to share the finished film, while Sherouse acknowledged the mix of anticipation and nerves that comes with completing a nearly three-year creative process.

Produced through , “Valediction” drew on support from faculty across campus.

Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts Kai Swanson served as the project’s primary faculty sponsor, while Director of Technology, Operations and Multimedia Projects Bryan Baker and Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts Youssef Osman provided mentorship and feedback throughout development and production. Baker also assisted with securing equipment for principal photography.

Faculty also stepped into the story itself. Several faculty members appear in the film, including Assistant Professor of Journalism Israel Balderas, Assistant Professor of Classical Languages Tedd Wimperis, Associate Professor of English Scott Proudfit and former journalism professor Susan Ladd – many trying their hand at acting for the first time.

Several mentors praised the students’ ambition and execution in bringing a feature-length film to the screen.

“I had the chance to see a rough cut and was very impressed with their ability, passion and perseverance in completing an entire feature film on their own,” Osman said. “The film is a fun, highly stylized and engaging dark comedy.”

Swanson noted that the project originated as a student pitch and has grown into ESTV’s first made-for-TV movie.

“The students have put an incredible amount of work into this project, from development through production and post,” Swanson said. “It’s a great example of the kind of ambitious, long-form work students are starting to pursue.”

Credits

Roof Rat Productions (creative team)

• Talula Martin – co-director, co-writer, producer, actress
• Hammond Sherouse – co-director, co-writer
• Althea Muldrew – producer
• Katharyn MacDonald – lead actress, associate producer

Crew

• JJ Duckworth – production sound mixer, actor
• Karter Evans – makeup artist
• Lauren Nesbit – costume designer
• Gabi Emerson & B Underhill-Reed – composers

Cast

• Katharyn MacDonald – Sam
• Hope Hynes Love – Eliza (Sam’s mother)
• Jeff Alguire – Dr. Whistler (Sam’s father)
• Grace Minton – Deidre (Sam’s friend)
• JJ Duckworth – Ben (politician)
• Monty Lewis – Henry (student reporter)
• Amelia Brinson – Abe (theater kid)
• Graham Boggess – Nate (jock)
• Ryan Voisard – Charlie (stranger)
• Susan Ladd – Mrs. Garden (psychology teacher)
• Hank Heimlich – Seth (theater kid)
• Talula Martin – Jeremy (theater kid)
• J. Israel Balderas – Mr. Haruspex (principal)
• Jackson Bennett – Patrick (student reporter)
• Maverick Powell – Nora (student reporter)
• Rose Fyffe – Sarah (theater kid)
• Tedd Wimperis – Dr. Franklin (scientist)
• Wrigley Koch – Ms. Burnesse (guidance counselor)
• Scott Proudfit – Dr. Miles (scientist)

Elon News Network earned 11 awards during the National College Media Conference hosted by the Associated Collegiate Press in San Francisco, March 5-7.

The awards contest included hundreds of entries from college media outlets from across the country. Below is a list of the Elon winners.

• Finalist – Online Pacemaker | Staff |
• 2nd Place – Best of Show Broadcast | “ENN Tonight” |
• 2nd Place – Best of Show Newspaper | The Pendulum |
• 4th Place – Best of Show Digital Newsletter | Elon News Network Weekly Newsletter |
• 6th Place – Best of Show Website |
• 6th Place – Best of Show News Story | Lilly Molina and Charlotte Pfabe |
• 10th Place – Best of Show Sports Story | Benjamin Berfield |
• 8th Place – Best of Show Feature Story | Charlotte Pfabe |
• 6th Place – Best of Show Newspaper Design | Sarah T. Moore |
• 7th Place – Best of Show Broadcast News Story | Anjolina Fantaroni | “
• 10th Place – Best of Show Broadcast Sports Story | Monika Jurevicius | “

Elon students attending the National College Media Convention conference included Evan Cooper ’28, Trista Panagakos ’28, Megan Walsh ’28 and Nolan Williams ’28. They were accompanied by Kelly Furnas, senior lecturer in journalism and ENN adviser.

ENN is a student-run news organization covering �þ��� and the broader Alamance County community. It includes The Pendulum newspaper, “ENN Tonight” broadcast, elonnewsnetwork.com website, as well as social media accounts, podcasts and newsletters. regardless of their experience level, major or year in school.

Now a journalism and Spanish double major at Elon, Vann will join with dozens of fellow �þ��� musicians for a Wind Ensemble performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, a moment that will reflect her musical growth and commitment to balancing two distinct passions.

That performance takes place on March 11 as part of a showcase ensemble for the 24th Annual New York Wind Band Festival.

Vann, a Phoenix Band Scholar and member of the Fire of the Carolinas marching band from Siler City, North Carolina, played in a high school band. With only three clarinets, one musician per part, she was used to being the only one playing a section of a piece. In the Elon wind ensemble, there are multiple clarinets playing per part.

“I learned to be extremely aware of myself and how I sound,” Vann said of her 15-member high school band. “There wasn’t much balance or blend because we were all focused on ourselves. But I’m grateful for that experience because it helped me figure out my specific sound and establish strong practice habits.”

Transitioning from a small band to Elon’s 50-member wind ensemble taught her how to balance and blend in her section.

“The first thing I realized was how big the sound was here,” Vann said. “I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about music. Our director focuses so much on the little details. In high school, we focused more on the bigger picture. Here, everyone is working in harmony to create something beautiful.”

Combining two passions

While music is a passion, Vann is not a music major. She studies journalism and Spanish and serves as a copy editor and reporter for , juggling interviews and deadlines with rehearsals and performances.

She credits Elon’s opportunities for allowing her to continue performing while pursuing a non-music degree.

“I love how Elon gives students who aren’t music majors the opportunity to participate in ensembles,” Vann said. “If they didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love.”

Her decision to continue playing was inspired by the Phoenix Band Scholarship. After taking a year off from playing the clarinet during her senior year of high school, she realized how much she missed performing.

“I decided to do it because I missed playing so much,” Vann said. “I am really happy I did. I have met so many people who share a passion for music.”

Jonathan Poquette, �þ���’s Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar and director of bands, said he is intentional about welcoming any Elon student, regardless of major, to participate in music ensembles.

“As a faculty, we enjoy working with students who are passionate about making music, even if they are not music majors,” Poquette said. “The fact that so many of our students are non-music majors, and yet we can achieve tremendous experiences like this, is what makes �þ��� so special.”

Performing on the big stage

When Vann first learned the wind ensemble would perform at Carnegie Hall, she described it as “a roller coaster of emotions.”

“At first I was completely shocked, then excited, then nervous,” Vann said. “I felt a sense of pressure, but it was a good kind of pressure, the kind that pushes you to be the best musician you can be.”

Performing at Carnegie Hall represents nearly a decade of dedication and practice.

“It’s hard to believe I’m going to be on the best stage in the world, where so many legends have performed,” Vann said. “All the time and effort I’ve spent practicing since sixth grade has led to this moment.”

While she has not visited Carnegie Hall before, she is eager to step on the stage alongside her bandmates.

“I think I will feel everything, excitement, nerves and adrenaline,” Vann said. “But we’ve practiced so hard, and I know we are ready. I’m just going to take it all in.”

As she prepares for the trip to New York City, Vann is looking forward to sharing the experience with her band family.

“This will definitely be a core memory for me,” Vann said. “Each member of the ensemble is vital. It wouldn’t be the same without every single one of them, and Dr. Poquette has worked so hard to make this a reality.”

Beyond Elon, Vann said she hopes to one day report and write for a publication and tell stories she is passionate about. She also hopes to pursue translation work with her education in Spanish.

“Music will always be a part of my life and is another way to express myself,” she said. “I can’t imagine not doing music. Wherever I end up, I hope to join a community band or orchestra to keep refining my skills.”

Photos of the conference are available on the .

The conference began with the panel discussion “Government Threats to Journalists’ Autonomy” moderated by Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism, and Pate McMichael, director of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition and instructor in communications. Joining the panel were professionals Thad Ogburn of the Raleigh News & Observer, Rana Cash of the Charlotte Observer, and Phoebe Zerwick of the Down from DC newsletter.

Colin Donohue, assistant professor of journalism and director of student engagement and special projects for the School of Communications, organized the conference. He said hosting an event such as NCCMA provided learning opportunities for Elon students and outreach to students from around the state.

“We’re always excited to host the NCCMA conference because we love supporting and celebrating student media,” Donohue said. “The event allows students to develop professionally and network with their peers from across the state, and that shared learning experience can inform the work they do on their campuses.”

The keynote address was presented by Elon alumnus David Hodges ’12, an investigative reporter for WBTV in Charlotte.

Many other Elon faculty, staff and students presented breakout sessions at the conference.

• McMichael presented the session “Know Your Rights: Media Law for Student Journalists.”
• David Bockino, associate professor of sport management, presented the session “From ‘We’ to ‘Me’: A History of Sports Media and Sports Betting.”
• Ben Hannam, associate professor of communication design and chair of the Department of Communication Design, presented “AI & Creativity: Challenges and Opportunities for Graphic Designers.”
• Israel Balderas, assistant professor of journalism, presented “Covering Protests, Walkouts and �þ��� Political Flashpoints.”
• Drew Perry, associate professor of English, presented “Literary Magazine – From Start to Really Finished: Matching Your Vision to the Printed Page.”
• Randy Piland, associate �þ��� professor of communication design, presented the sessions “Drones in Media: Aerial Storytelling, Ethics, and Real-World Impact” and “Photography – Action. Reaction. Interaction. Building Storytelling Frames That Matter.”
• Kelly Furnas, associate �þ��� professor of journalism, presented “10 Things You’re not Doing Online (but should be).”
• Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, executive director, of Elon News Network and Sarah Moore ’26, managing editor of The Pendulum, moderated the student editors’ roundtable.
• Journalism major Charlotte Pfabe ’27 introduced Hodges, and she and journalism, media analytics and digital content management triple major Abby Gravely ’27 emceed the conference’s awards presentation.

The conference also featured an awards ceremony recognizing the best in student media from around the state in 2025. �þ��� from Elon News Network received honors, including:

• Best of Show – Newspaper | The Pendulum
  Issues from and
• Best of Show – Website | Elon News Network
  
• 1st Place – Digital Storytelling | Lilly Molina
  
• 2nd Place – Digital Storytelling | Anjolina Fantraoni
  
• 1st Place – Photography | Ethan Wu
  
• 2nd Place – Photography | Alexander Siegel
  
• 1st Place – News Writing | Anjolina Fantaroni
  
• 1st Place – Sports Writing | Miles Hayford
  
• 2nd Place – Feature Writing | Nia Bedard
  
• Honorable Mention – Feature Writing | Charlotte Pfabe
  
• 1st Place – Single- or Two-Page Design | Sarah T. Moore
  
• 2nd Place – Single- or Two-Page Design
  Megan Walsh
  
• Honorable Mention – Single- or Two-Page Design | Reagan Sizemore
  
• 1st Place – Illustration/Graphic
  Nia Bedard
  
• 2nd Place – Illustration/Graphic
  Reagan Sizemore
  

The event, scheduled from 4:20 to 5:30 p.m., will feature a dynamic speed-rotation format, allowing attendees to engage in a variety of discussions in 15-minute intervals. Faculty, staff, students and alumni will lead conversations exploring how their work advances access, representation and belonging in the communications and sport fields.

This year’s table topics reflect the breadth of the school’s work – from health literacy and neuroinclusive communication to religious diversity, brand activism, student journalism and the influence of algorithms on movie audiences. Other sessions will spotlight �þ��� research, alumni leadership and student-driven initiatives that aim to build a more connected and representative community.

“Reaching underrepresented people is the through-line for so much of our work in the School of Communications,” said Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism and chair of the Inclusive Excellence Committee. “These presenters demonstrate how dynamic our field is, and how tapped in Elon students, faculty and alumni are to these changing systems and the ways they impact equity in communications.”

Complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided.

For more information, contact Ahearn at lahearn@elon.edu.

Table Topic Discussions and Presenters

1. Engaging All Audiences Through Neuroinclusive Communication Practices
   James Holsinger, Executive Director, Koenigsberger Learning Center
2. Live Oak Communications: Rooted In Community
   Hal Vincent, Associate Teaching Professor, Strategic Communications
   
3. Understanding is Power: What is Health Literacy and Why Does it Matter?
   Julie Lellis, Professor, Strategic Communications
4. The Politics of Play: Race, Gender, and Power in Sport
   Lindsay Pieper, Assistant Professor, Sport Management
5. Diversity in the Age of Algorithms
   Sowjanya Kudva, Assistant Professor, Cinema and Television Arts
6. Exploring Religion in a Diverse �þ��� Community
   Anthony Hatcher, Professor, Journalism & Max Negin, Assistant Professor, Cinema and Television Arts
7. Faces of the Future: Undergrad Research on the Cutting Edge
   Maddie Bauman ’26 & Halli Harwood ’26
8. Friend or Faux: The Role of Authenticity in Brand Activism and Advocacy
   Shanetta Pendleton, Assistant Professor, Strategic Communications
9. Alumni Spotlight: A Journalistic Voice for Justice and Clarity
   Robin Adams Cheeley ’81
10. Unity in Communications: A Student Initiative to Build Diverse Community
11. International Student Spotlight: Navigating Across Cultures
    Ethan Wu ’27 & Bernardo Vargas-Lopez ’26
12. Student journalists: Challenging Inequity in the Real World
    Estella Hoye ’27 & Cassie Weymouth ’26

�þ��� students and faculty captured 13 awards in the , an international competition recognizing excellence in digital media and broadcasting. The honors included 10 student awards and three faculty/staff awards, selected from more than 2,250 entries representing over 300 colleges and universities across categories such as audio, film and video, documentary, news and interactive multimedia.

The school’s top student finish came from , a cinema and television arts B.F.A. major, who placed third in the Narrative Audio category for “.” The project explores the roots and history of NASCAR in rural North Carolina and was recognized for its storytelling and production quality.

Additionally, Elon News Network’s “ENN Tonight” program earned an Award of Excellence in the Television Newscast (3 Days a Week or Less) category for its , featuring coverage of SNAP benefits, Elon’s announcement to establish a grade school for children with dyslexia, and an SGA fireside chat with Elon President Connie Book.

Faculty honors followed, led by Bryan Baker, director of technology, operations and multimedia projects, who earned two awards in the faculty/staff competitions. Baker received an Award of Excellence in the Promotional Video category for the School of Communications’ , a nearly seven-minute retrospective produced as part of the school’s Homecoming celebration. He also earned Best of Competition in the Social Media category for a , which was shared on the school’s Instagram page on June 23, 2025.

The awards also included recognition for “Forward,” a short-form documentary by Alex Luchsinger, associate professor of journalism. The film documents U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Ashley Christman’s battle with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer and her determination to live for her wife and young son, and continue serving in the Marine Corps. The film highlights resilience across military, LGBTQ+ and cancer communities, offering a powerful portrait of perseverance and hope. Luchsinger worked closely with Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts Max Negin and cinematographer Drew Glickman. The film is scheduled to be shown at the in late February.

Elon award recipients

Student Audio Competition

Narrative Audio Category
3rd Place: The Timebomb Podcast; Molly Clayton, �þ���
Award of Excellence: The Atlanta Fox Theatre; Lucy Samuels, �þ���

PSA, Promo, or Commercial Category
Award of Excellence: C&R Ski and Outdoor commercial; Jackson Bennett, �þ���
Award of Excellence: Maker Hub Promo; Kira Hancuff, �þ���

Student Documentary Competition

Micro-Documentary Category
Award of Excellence: A Terribly (Ab)Normal Kid; Mackenzie James, �þ���

Student Film & Video Competition

Mini Narrative Category
Award of Excellence: We’ve Been Here Before; Christian Kelly, �þ���

Short Narrative Category
Award of Excellence: Lonesome Tune; Kelly Locke, �þ���
Award of Excellence: On Guard; Will Calkins, �þ���

Student News Competition

Television Anchor Category
Award of Excellence: Charlotte Pfabe Anchor Reel; Charlotte Pfabe, �þ���

Television Newscast (3 Days a Week or Less)
Award of Excellence: ENN Tonight, Nov. 10, 2025; Olivia Berger & Fiona McAllister, �þ���

Faculty Documentary Competition

Short-Form Documentary Category
Award of Excellence: Forward; Alex Luchsinger, Drew Glickman & Max Negin, �þ���

Promotional Video Category
Award of Excellence – Adjunct Faculty & Staff: �þ��� School of Communications 25th Anniversary; Bryan Baker, �þ���

Faculty Interactive Multimedia Competition

Social Media Category
Best of Competition – Adjunct Faculty & Staff: Kaitlyn Hannan, Student Profile; Bryan Baker, �þ���

About the Festival of Media Arts:

The is an international refereed exhibition of faculty creative activities and a national showcase for student work. The festival provides a venue for exhibition of winning submissions, including recognition of project authors, through showcase and awards sessions held during BEA’s annual convention in Las Vegas. The festival seeks to enhance and extend creative activities, �þ���, and professional standards in broadcasting and other forms of electronically mediated communication.

Drawing from her own experience and the voices of other neurodiverse students, Schlehuber authored a deeply reported, multimedia feature that explores where students thrive, where they need more support, and how campuses can better serve them. As she put it, “Being diagnosed autistic myself, I really just wanted to write the story I’ve always wanted to read.”

That story has now earned national recognition for a second time. The recent �þ��� graduate, who majored in journalism and minored in creative writing, captured second place in the Feature Writing Competition of the 2025–2026 Hearst Journalism Awards Program, selected from a record 162 entries from 87 schools. Her runner-up finish includes a $2,000 award and places her among the top student feature writers in the country.

Schlehuber’s piece stood out for its depth, empathy and multimedia approach, combining reporting, photography, video and design to tell a layered story about autistic and neurodiverse students at Elon.

“I always wanted to tackle an in-depth, multimedia piece about how autistic people navigate college life,” Schlehuber said. “Autism is a disability frequently associated with childhood, but I wanted to show how dynamic autism can be, especially in young adulthood.”

Her reporting centers on students who shared their experiences honestly – from finding community and confidence to navigating accommodations, social spaces and academic expectations. The story is also supported by insights from disability experts and includes ideas for how universities can better support autistic students.

Schlehuber’s work on the project grew out of both personal and academic interests. She first explored the topic through a research article published in the Elon Journal before developing the full multimedia feature. That early work shaped not just what she reported, but how she approached the story. Schlehuber said it was important for the final piece to reflect how varied the autistic experience can be.

“The biggest challenge I faced while writing and reporting was working toward interviewing a diverse range of people,” Schlehuber said. “My three student subjects not only had autism, but they had other disabilities and chronic illnesses as well, so I wanted to make sure that was represented in my article.”

Finding expert voices also took persistence, as there are relatively few specialists focused specifically on autism in higher education, which limited the pool of available sources.

While autism has been part of her life since childhood, Schlehuber said the reporting process still revealed new layers of complexity. “Since I grew up with autism, I didn’t learn anything new about the disability itself that surprised me,” she said. “But it was surprising that autism is often coupled with other disabilities and mental illnesses.”

She added that this reality makes accommodations more complicated – and more important.

Above all, Schlehuber said she wants her story to shift how people think about neurodiversity in higher education. She wants readers to understand that autism accommodations should not stop after K–12 education and that colleges must not only accommodate neurodiverse students, but represent them in daily campus life. “More students are neurodiverse than you think,” she said.

Additionally, she wanted to push back on the assumption that college is always harder for autistic students.

“For a lot of autistic students, college is not always as hard on us as people think it is,” she said. “The students I spoke with had supportive – often neurodiverse – friend groups and enjoyed the flexibility and niche opportunities that come with college.”

In addition to the Hearst second-place finish, “The Autistic Experience at �þ���” won third place in the Multimedia Feature Story category from the Associated Collegiate Press in October. For Schlehuber, the continued recognition is both surprising and deeply meaningful.

“Winning second place was shocking,” she said of her Hearst recognition. “Every time I win an award for my journalism, I am blown away with how much people care about what I have to say.”

She is especially excited that her reporting on autism is reaching a wider audience.

“I am so excited for my reporting on autism to get eyes on it, especially through a massive media company like Hearst,” she said. “I hope this will open more doors for me in my career, as I plan to write for the rest of my life in any way I can.”

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, now in its 66th year, includes competitions across writing, photo, audio, television, podcast and multimedia categories, offering up to $700,000 in scholarships, matching grants and stipends. More than 100 accredited journalism programs participate each year, making it one of the most prestigious student journalism competitions in the country.

By the end of their week at �þ���, students weren’t just writing stories – they were asking better questions, seeing the world through other people’s perspectives, and thinking more carefully about the role of ethics in everyday life.

As part of the college preparatory school’s annual Winter Term experience – a five-day immersive January program that replaces traditional classes with single-course study — 10 high school students explored the fundamentals of journalism at Elon’s School of Communications. The group worked inside the Elon News Network newsroom, pitching story ideas, interviewing sources, writing ledes, editing copy and producing visual content while learning how professional journalists approach storytelling, newsgathering and responsibility.

The hands-on work was designed to build more than technical skills.

“Beyond improved writing skills, I really hope that students will leave this course with a deep understanding of what it means to be a journalist and a consumer of news,” said Estelle Bowden, Greensboro Day School’s director of media services and learning innovation. “I hope they begin to consume news with the question of ‘what else’ at the forefront of their minds.”

The visit was coordinated by Bowden in partnership with Elon journalism faculty members Kelly Furnas and Colin Donohue – with all three handling classroom instruction. For many students, the week offered a first glimpse of college-level learning – and for some, a preview of what’s next.

For Maddy Girsch, a Greensboro Day School senior who will enroll at Elon this fall as a digital content management major, the experience offered an early look at college instruction and the industries she plans to pursue.

“I was really excited to meet professors I’ll be learning from and to understand the different aspects of the communications field,” Girsch said. “Even though I’m not specifically interested in journalism, this experience has given me a new perspective and helped me see how these skills can apply across communications.”

While Girsch used the week to explore her future, other students came in with journalism already on their minds. Joining Girsch was Kadin Crawford, a junior who has long been interested in news reporting. Yet, his week at Elon helped him see what he could do in the field in new ways.

“I thought taking a picture was just snapping a photo,” Crawford said. “But learning about composition, cropping and how images help tell a story really surprised me.”

He said one of the biggest lessons was learning to tell stories from someone else’s point of view.

“You’re not just writing how you see something,” Crawford said. “You’re telling someone else’s story. If you don’t understand their perspective, then there’s no purpose in writing it.”

That kind of growth – learning to listen, observe and think differently – is exactly what Bowden hoped to spark when she first imagined the program, which grew out of her own experience as a student journalist, as well as an Elon campus visit that left her “blown away.”

“Being a part of my high school’s newspaper was a formative experience,” Bowden recalled. “Our school does not currently have a newspaper, and several students have expressed an interest in starting one. I saw this as an opportunity to support that goal.”

She said Elon was the natural partner after learning about current students thriving in the school’s academic programs and student media organizations.

“Partnering with experts, especially given how long it’s been since I’ve been a student journalist, was a personal requirement when I proposed this course,” Bowden said.

From the beginning, Bowden knew the course had to be about more than just writing stories. Ethics anchors the program and mirrors Greensboro Day School’s Honor Code and Four Cornerstones — Respect, Integrity, Responsibility and Kindness. According to Bowden, these virtues are ingrained in all school activities.

“I believe that by deepening their understanding of ethics as it applies to journalism, students will begin to consume and produce news differently,” Bowden said. “It is important that they develop habits that allow them to not just take a story at face value, but to evaluate their news through an ethical lens.”

She credited Furnas and Donohue with shaping the experience.

“This has been a wonderful collaboration,” Bowden said. “From the very first email, Colin and Kelly have been so willing to help us in any way that they can. They really want the students to succeed, and they have been incredibly accommodating – from building the curriculum to welcoming our students into their space.”

That enthusiasm went both ways. At the conclusion of the week, Donohue noted that the Greensboro Day School students weren’t the only ones to benefit from the weeklong instruction.

“Working with these students has been incredibly energizing,” said Donohue, who visited the school’s Guilford County campus last week. “They asked thoughtful questions, pushed themselves creatively and showed a real commitment to understanding not just how journalism works, but why it matters.”

had never slept on a boat before. By the time she woke up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – six hours off the coast of Costa Rica – she had already spent the night battling seasickness, clutching her camera, and worrying whether she’d get the images she hoped for. Five minutes after stepping onto the deck at sunrise, a hammerhead shark surfaced beside the boat, confirming months of preparation and giving Molina firsthand access to an endangered species few reporters document alive.

The encounter came during Molina’s three-week reporting trip last summer to Costa Rica as a 2025 Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow, where the journalism and media analytics double major investigated illegal hammerhead shark fishing and the legal loopholes allowing the endangered species to be caught and sold. For Molina, whose parents immigrated from Costa Rica, the fellowship offered a rare opportunity to report in her family’s home country – placing her not only in government offices and fishing towns, but also aboard a research vessel in international waters alongside marine biologists tagging hammerhead sharks.

“I was really worried about visuals,” Molina said of her investigation. “I was like, ‘How am I going to get a visual of a hammerhead shark? They’re all the way out in the ocean.’”

That anxiety followed her offshore. Molina was the only journalist on board, far from land, without cell service and with no easy way out if something went wrong. The physical toll hit quickly.

“I was severely seasick the first night,” Molina said. “Like, I’ve never been that pale in my life.”

Despite the discomfort, Molina never questioned why she was there, staying alert with her camera at the ready.

Those hours at sea were just one chapter in a much longer reporting journey – one that began with a phone call to family. The project took shape after a conversation with Molina’s aunt, Sophia Gamboa, who lives in Costa Rica and raised concerns about illegal hammerhead shark fishing that she felt was largely overlooked.

Nearly two years after that conversation, Molina’s reporting culminated in a Pulitzer Center–published investigation titled “” an in-depth examination of how enforcement gaps continue to threaten the endangered species. Molina said her connection to the country shaped both the focus and the urgency of the work.

“Being Costa Rican is a central part of my identity,” Molina said. “I’ve returned regularly since I was very young to visit family, and I now hold dual citizenship.”

Throughout her three-week trip, Molina relied heavily on her aunt, who served as a translator during interviews with fishermen and local officials, and helped coordinate travel between coastal communities. That support allowed Molina to focus on reporting while gaining access she would not have been able to secure alone.

Molina’s reporting took her from government offices in San José to small fishing towns along the Pacific coast, before culminating far offshore with a team led by marine biologist Randall Arauz. “I was on my own reporting for about a week,” Molina said. “And then I was invited by Randall, whom I interviewed back in December (2024), to come out on the boat with him.”

The plan was to tag thresher sharks. Hammerheads were never guaranteed. When a hammerhead finally appeared one morning, the tagging process unfolded quickly.

“They make an incision right near the fin,” Molina explained. “They put in the tag … and then it goes with the shark, and it will eventually come off and send all that data back.”

As the scientists worked, Molina remained on deck with the fishermen, documenting the moment. “They were like, ‘You have to come here. This is a good angle for a photo,’” she said of the crew. “They were really nice people.”

By the end of the trip, the team had tagged three hammerhead sharks.

For Molina, seeing the sharks alive and released underscored the stakes of her reporting. Hammerhead sharks are elusive and endangered, and encounters outside of fishing contexts are rare. The experience offshore made tangible what had previously existed only in interviews, documents and preparation.

“I’ve gone through a lot for this story,” Molina said.

The experience also reshaped how Molina understood the investigation itself. What began as a project focused largely on enforcement failures evolved into something more complex once she began interviewing government officials, scientists and fishing advocates.

“I truly don’t think that they’re bad people and don’t care about hammerhead sharks,” Molina said of the regulators she interviewed. “I think it’s more like there are three people monitoring over 2,000 boats.”

That realization shifted the reporting away from individual blame and toward systemic limitations, including understaffing, resource constraints and the challenges of monitoring Costa Rica’s extensive coastline. For Molina, that nuance became central to the final piece.

In the final days of the trip, Molina shifted from reporting to writing. “I actually wrote the entire article before I even left Costa Rica,” she said. She worked from her grandmother’s house – a familiar place she had visited since childhood – drafting the investigation at the coffee table. After the intensity of the fieldwork, Molina finished her story as rain fell outside, dampening the orchids lining her grandmother’s backyard.

About Pulitzer Center’s �þ��� Consortium

Elon is a partner in the Pulitzer Center’s �þ��� Consortium, a network of colleges and universities that support the center’s mission to promote journalism on critical global issues. Along with travel funding, the fellowship provides mentorship, journalism resources, and the opportunity to present work at an annual fall conference in Washington, D.C. Student projects are published in major media outlets nationally and internationally, as well as on the .

In fact, Molina’s main report was published by Latina Republic, a U.S.-based nonprofit media and research organization focused on bridging understanding between the U.S. and Latin America.

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