Madeleine K. ’25 Selected as Teen Journalism Fellow for International News Agency

This spring, Madeleine K. ’25 was selected as one of only 16 students worldwide to serve as a Teen Journalism Fellow for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), a prominent international wire service that covers news of interest to Jewish communities worldwide. As a paid Spring 2025 Fellow, Madeleine is already making an impact—her first article was recently published, and she shared that the response has been deeply meaningful.

The story, which explores how Jewish and Muslim teens in Los Angeles are coming together for dialogue and mutual understanding, came at a time of heightened tension between the two communities. For Madeleine, it was an opportunity not only to share a message of hope but also to highlight voices too often left out of the broader conversation.

“In a time when it can be difficult to find common ground, this story filled me with hope,” Madeleine said. “I knew I wanted to share it with others. I hoped to write something that would expand readers’ points of view—and the feedback from readers made me realize just how impactful journalism can be, inspiring me to keep writing stories that move people and expand their perspectives.”

Her journey to the JTA Fellowship was shaped by four years of dedication to The Paw Print, culminating in her role as an editor-in-chief. Faculty advisors Rachel Pringle and Samantha Schreiber have served as mentors throughout Madeleine’s high school career, helping her grow as both a writer and a leader. Their support extended to the JTA application process, where they provided references and encouragement.

“My time on The Paw Print has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my experience at Poly,” Madeleine reflected. “Ms. Pringle and Ms. Schreiber have taught me everything from writing compelling ledes to conducting thoughtful interviews. Their guidance motivated me to apply for this fellowship and inspired me to pursue a future career in journalism.”

The JTA Fellowship provided Madeleine with a unique opportunity to write for a professional publication while working closely with experienced editors and a global cohort of like-minded peers. “I’m so grateful for the people I’ve connected with—my editors, the other fellows, and especially my interviewees,” she said. “This experience has confirmed that journalism is what I want to study and pursue as a career.” As she looks ahead to college, Madeleine is excited to continue telling stories that inform and bring people together.