Maya Al-Soufi, a junior at San Marino High School, has been selected to attend the 2016 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University as a national youth correspondent. Maya – a staff writer for the school’s Titan Shield newspaper – was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. She will join a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media.
Attendees participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community as well as prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field.
The Washington Journalism and Media Conference will be held July 17- 22 on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
“I am passionate about news and journalism and conflicts in the Middle East,” said Al-Soufi, who is of Lebanese heritage and speaks fluent Arabic. “Attending this conference and meeting journalists and news broadcasters will be an amazing experience.”
A singer, Maya this year founded the school’s first acapella ensemble and is also active in the Model United Nations club.
