Tucker Resident Named Journalism 'Superstar'

Raven Wilson is THE Superstar of the 2012 Georgia Journalism Academy. 

Wilson, who received a scholarship from CNN to attend the academy, said her experience at the camp helped reaffirm her desire to pursue a journalism career. “This week was such a good opportunity,” she said. “I had a great time here and found a new love for journalism.”

In a press release, Sue Smith, the camp's photojournalism instructor said, “Raven already has a good eye for photographs and a command of her camera equipment that only comes with time spent developing one’s craft. This week, she pushed herself to talk to unfamiliar people and get the story behind her photographs, and she showed good judgment when editing her work to select the best photos.”

Sponsored by the UGA Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, the academy is geared towards aspiring high school journalists. Six core classes were offered: broadcasting, news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, photojournalism or graphic design. The students produced a 15-minute TV news broadcast and a 12-page newspaper. "Rising stars" were nominated by the teachers from among the 57 students attending - and Wilson was named "Superstar."

Other “rising stars” nominated by the academy teachers were:

• Louise Platter, Clarke Central High School, Athens, newswriting
• Eli Guidry, Perry High School, Perry, feature writing
• Luis Ruuska, Ooltewah High School, Ooltewah, Tenn., editorial writing
• Carly Kanwisher, Walton Comprehensive High School, Marietta, graphic design
• Brooke Budnik, Druid Hills High School, Decatur; broadcasting
• Madison Swab, North Cobb High School, Kennesaw, broadcasting

In its 28th year, the Georgia Journalism Academy is held annually by the Grady College and offers high school students an in-depth journalism experience. Students spend the week researching, reporting, news editing and producing a newspaper and broadcast before the Friday afternoon deadline. The newspaper, The Dynamic, or the news broadcast, “The Grady Glee Report,” are now online.