Gracee Kimbro National Youth Correspondent for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference
Gracee Kimbro, 16, a junior at Calvert High School, is pictured at the Atlantis Yacht Harbor in the Bahamas during her Christmas vacation. Kimbro has been selected to represent Maryland and Calvert High School at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. (Photo courtesy Gracee Kimbro)

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Gracee Kimbro, a junior at Calvert High School, has been selected as a National Youth Correspondent for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC), which will take place July 14–19, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by George Mason University, the WJMC gathers aspiring journalists from across the country to engage with media professionals and hone their skills. Kimbro, 16, was chosen for her academic excellence and passion for journalism. “When I got the letter in the mail, I was very shocked and excited,” she said.

Kimbro hopes to use the conference as a stepping stone toward a journalism career. “I just want to learn as much as I can about that field because I’m definitely interested in that in the future,” she said.

Her journalism and AP English language teacher, Charles Morgan, praised her dedication. “Gracee is a fantastic student and has far exceeded my expectations in her writing,” he said. “She is very interested in pursuing journalism as a profession, so this seemed like a natural fit for her.”

This year marks Kimbro’s first on the school yearbook staff. “I really just love art and being able to express my creativity,” she said. Her passion for writing extends beyond journalism — she is an avid reader and admires young women authors like Emily Henry.

In addition to her academic achievements, Kimbro is the varsity captain of her school’s volleyball team and enjoys video editing and weightlifting. She plans to major in journalism or English in college and is considering studying abroad.

Kimbro relishes simple joys, often laughing at everyday moments. She believes journalism should foster empathy by sharing different perspectives. “I think it’s really important to hear other people’s sides and respect their opinions,” she said.

Ultimately, Kimbro dreams of visiting at least 100 countries and documenting her travels. “I want to become a journalist,” she said. “I would just want to open people’s eyes to what’s going on in the world, bad and good.”

The WJMC will offer Kimbro valuable networking opportunities with leading journalists and media professionals, giving her a head start in her career.

Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com 

Katie Delk Aitchison is a former environmental reporter for TCPalm, where she covered water quality issues and held agencies accountable for protecting Florida’s waterways. Now based in St. Mary's County,...

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