Hi, my name is Emma Ayres, and I am a young journalist and photographer from Imlay City High School. I write and take pictures for both my local newspaper the Tri-City Times and my school paper, The Spartan Voice. It has been such a blessing to have my work published with my local newspaper. I have learned real-world writing skills that I could never have learned without this experience. Performing a skill and learning are more valuable than just reading about them.

I received a letter in the mail formally inviting me to attend the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University this July. The program brings together student journalists from across the country to learn from media professionals, visit national news organizations, and further develop real-world reporting skills.

I am raising money to help cover part of the cost of traveling to Washington, D.C., as well as applying for a merit-based scholarship, to take ownership and responsibility for reaching my goal of becoming a journalist. Help me gain more experience by contributing to my funds. I deeply appreciate any support I receive and am grateful for those who see my potential and believe I am capable of achieving my wildest dreams. Thank you for aiding in the effort to get me there.

— Emma Ayres