Beat Writing
I wrote weekly stories focused on Chicago secondary and higher education, featuring Northwestern Athletic Director Mark Jackson, local high school athletes and staff, school board members, fine arts students, parents, and teachers.
Secondary and Higher Education Beat
Mark Jackson is one of the most successful athletic directors in the country. Yet no one has done a comprehensive profile of what makes him successful until now. His story exemplifies the intangibles that make a division one athletic program successful, thus making this a story of interest beyond the Northwestern community.
Chicago’s public and private schools take different approaches to preparing student-athletes for college sports, but all share the same goal: developing well-rounded students who can thrive academically and athletically. Through parent education, alumni panels, and recruiting resources, athletic directors across the city emphasize holistic growth and informed decision-making in the path to NCAA athletics.
The Chicago Public Schools Board voted unanimously to save the Chicago High School for the Arts by absorbing it into the district, ensuring the school’s conservatory-style arts education can continue. Backed by passionate students, parents, and educators, the decision preserves a vital creative community while calling for new partnerships and funding to sustain its specialized programs.
The UChicago women's lacrosse team is defined by its strong culture and commitment to sisterhood, balancing successful NCAA tournament appearances with the high academic load of its student-athletes. Head Coach Kate Robinson emphasizes a holistic recruitment process that seeks well-rounded individuals who fit the team culturally and can manage the university's academic demands.