McKenzie Taylor, 17, Woodstock High School
My passion for graphic design comes from a deep love for creating and bringing new ideas to life. I enjoy designing and developing fresh concepts, whether for school projects or personal endeavors. Outside of school, I run my own small business where I create banners and digital mock-ups for clients. While I’m still exploring my ultimate career path, I’m considering starting my own business or pursuing a role in marketing or another design-related field.

Hi! I'm Miley Lenzen, a junior at Cherokee High School. One of my favorite books is Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. Outside of The Wire, I enjoy writing sports articles around the community—something I'm really passionate about! I love telling stories, especially those that highlight athletes and their journeys. I believe this opportunity will be a great way for me to grow as a writer and continue doing what I love.

Madeline Flournoy, 16, Cherokee High School
Hi, I’m Madeline Flournoy, a junior at Cherokee High School. My favorite book is On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, and I really admire author Mary Kubica. Outside of The Wire, I also write articles and love exploring both writing and photography. I wanted to intern with The Wire because I admire the initiative its founders took to use their voices as youth through a medium they’re passionate about. As an aspiring journalist, I’m always open to opportunities in newspapers or magazines, and I’m excited to grow through this experience.

My name is Annie Brannon, and I’m a senior at Blessed Trinity High School. I’ve had the opportunity to work on social media for Saint Vincent de Paul, where I gained experience creating engaging content and helping organizations connect with their audience. I’m excited about the chance to contribute to The Wire and its socials because I enjoy using creativity to engage people and build meaningful connections. I believe I stand out because of my attention to detail, creativity, and hands-on experience managing social media for different groups.

Jada Balcom, 17, River Ridge High School
Hi, I’m Jada Balcom, a senior at River Ridge High School. My passion for graphic design started with a childhood love for art and mixed media, and it’s only grown from there. My dream job is to become a UI/UX designer or lead graphic designer for a major company. Outside of The Wire, I create graphics for school clubs, internships, and just for fun in my free time. I’m excited to keep growing as a designer and explore more creative opportunities through this experience.