Apparently, Bridgeport High School journalism teacher Alice Rowe isn’t the only one that has noticed Maggie Lohmann’s talent. Count the folks at the Newseuminstitute.org as a group that also sees her talent.

 

And thanks to that talent, the BHS junior will be West Virginia’s representative in this summer’s Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. The conference targets students who will be senior next year that may have an interest in a journalism career and also have what their Web site to have qualities of “free spirit.”

 

Lohmann, it seems, meets the qualifications. Now, the talented student will be in Washington, D.C. from June 20 through June 25 to take part in a journalism conference being held at the “Newseum,” which is located at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. As the address indicates, the location is not far from the White House. Even better, all expenses for the trip have been paid for.

 

“I’m super excited to go and I was super excited to be chosen,” said Lohmann.

 

Initially, Lohmann hadn’t even considered applying for the conference. In fact, she didn’t even know about it until Rowe approached her to see if she would be interested in applying.

 

“Mrs. Rowe received an email saying they were looking for individuals to apply and suggested that I should give it a try,” said Lohmann. “It sounded interesting to go to Washington, D.C. and be immersed in an area with so much journalism.”

 

It’s safe to say “immersed” is a proper term for what Lohmann will be experiencing. She’ll get to work at USA Today and also be at the Newseum (click HERE to learn about that facility).

 

“The more I thought about this the more I realized what an amazing opportunity this would be to learn about something that I love to do,” said Lohmann.

 

As much as Lohmann loves journalism, she’s not certain she’s going to go into that field. However, she is certain that it’s something she’ll heavily consider. For years, Lohmann has leaned heavily toward the medical field and perhaps be an endocrinologist, which would allow her to focus on treating diabetes. And there’s a reason for that.

 

“Being a diabetic is the reason for that, but I also realize that maybe I can combine the two things that I’m pretty passionate about,” said Lohmann. “Perhaps, after being in a journalism setting with Mrs. Rowe and seeing what the conference has to offer, that I could branch out into medical journalism and write in an area that’s dedicated to diabetes. I would think it would be exciting to be able to write stories and share information about things such as stem cell research or advances in treating diabetes with the public. That is something I’m giving a lot of thought to if there is an opportunity.”

 

Regardless of what direction Lohmann takes, Rowe said she has no doubt that Lohmann will succeed. She said that’s become obvious after having her as a student.

 

“She’s the type of student that probably could be anything she wants to be because she gives 110 percent. If she wants to be a journalist then she’ll be a fabulous journalist,” said Rowe. “If she wants to be an endocrinologist then she’ll be fabulous at that as well. There’s a lot of promise with Maggie and she’ll fulfill that promise.”

 

Lohmann said her exposure to journalism, whether it leads to a job in that field or elsewhere, has already paid dividends. She pointed to being able to easily adapt to situations and not be afraid to talk to people and ask questions.

 

“It’s already boosted my confidence and, hopefully, this conference this summer will further add to that. I think just about everyone gets that confidence from Mrs. Rowe’s class because you have to speak to other people, listen to their stories and be able to share their stories,” said Lohmann.

 

Lohmann said she’s particularly looking forward to workshops where some of the biggest names in journalism are scheduled to speak. She said getting personal insight should be invaluable.

 

“They will be sharing their knowledge and this are the best out there. I’m excited about that, but I’m also excited to see the historical exhibits in the Newseum … There’s a lot to learn and I’m going to make the most of every day there,” she ended.

 

Editor's Note: Photos of Maggie Lohmann by Hannah Fetty.