Ashlyn Joyner and Natalie Staggers have joined The Dispatch staff as summer reporting interns.
During their internships, Joyner and Staggers will work as general assignment reporters in the newsroom, covering stories on various beats throughout the coverage area.
Joyner, a graduate of Hernando High School, is a rising senior at the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in digital journalism with a minor in English. She is a senior reporter at the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center housed at USM.
Joyner, who stepped into the role Monday, was hired through Report for America’s 10-week Local News Internship program, which is designed to help aspiring journalists gain professional newsroom experience. The Dispatch was selected for the program this year as one of nine RFA newsroom partners nationwide.
“During my internship at The Commercial Dispatch, I hope to gain skills that will help me in my future career and connections in a new environment,” she said.
Staggers, a native of Columbus, started the internship May 18. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a concentration in print and digital journalism along with a minor in music from Mississippi State University. There, she contributed to the student newspaper, The Reflector, and co-founded Queue magazine and radio station, a passion project aiming to help music lovers discover new artists, explore different genres and stay up to date on local music events.
“Over the time I’ve been pursuing journalism, I’ve discovered that the core of what I love about it is getting to know people’s stories,” Staggers said. “I love having the opportunity to sit down with someone that I never would have met otherwise and discuss what they’re passionate about.
“I have learned so much from the people I’ve met over the years, and I hope this summer at The Commercial Dispatch provides me with opportunities to make more connections and give back to my community in some way,” she added.
Managing Editor Zack Plair said Joyner and Staggers have already made a positive impression in the newsroom.
“We relish any opportunity we can get to bring young journalists into our newsroom to gain more experience covering our communities,” Plair said. “They are already doing a wonderful job, and I hope this summer inspires them to continue in community journalism.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
