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PROFILE

Chase the Race

2016 Student Reporters

In October, Envision extended an invitation to our program alumni to apply for twelve spots as onsite student reporters, covering the most high-profile events of the 2016 presidential campaign. The response was overwhelming, as applications and video submissions flooded in from our talented alumni.

The twelve onsite Reporters selected will act as a conduit for the voice of today’s youth throughout the campaign, focusing on the most important issues for the next generation of voters. As they interact with candidates and guest speakers, their coverage will include live streaming video and social media contributions. We are now pleased to introduce them to you, in alphabetical order.

Zachary Crilley – Covering Super Tuesday

Alumnus, Envision’s NYLF Business Innovation

Zachary is a 10th grader in Washington, DC, three blocks from the Capitol. He has been watching presidential debates since he was very young, and forming his own opinions of politicians and the issues. He believes there are many problems facing his generation today, especially the economy and a lack of opportunity for young people. He hopes to encourage his generation to take an active role in the political world, especially since the policies implemented by our government define the American identity and impact the entire world.

Charles Graham - Covering the Iowa Caucus

Alumnus, Envision’s NYLF Law & CSI

Charles plans to run for president in 2044. Already an experienced public speaker, this senior from Michigan delivers his high school announcements and has been a presenter at TEDx. He also exercises his skills as a member of the DECA organization, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for business careers. Soon to be of voting age, Charles realizes how the issues debated by the presidential candidates today will have a major effect on his generation, and he feels every political issue is relevant.

Abigail Kelly - Covering Super Tuesday

Alumna, Envision’s National Young Leaders State Conference

From age 5, Abigail was captivated by news anchors. Even the local traffic reporter was fascinating to her, as she mimicked his daily sign-off: “This is Tom Kaminski, WCBS, McCafe chopper 8-80.” Now in 11th grade, Abigail is Editor-in-Chief for her school newspaper. She feels news anchors help society navigate profound current events, and plans to deliver her Chase the Race 2016 coverage with clarity and style. Environmental issues have prompted her to conduct her own scientific experimentation, in which she discovered that freeze-dried fruit peels can remove lead and heavy metals from contaminated water.

Mikayla Kelz - Covering the Iowa Caucus

Alumna, Envision’s NYLF National Security

This 11th grader from Wisconsin grew up around politics, helping her father in his campaigns for local government. She has founded a group called Teens Talk Politics, whose goal is to more deeply involve the younger generation in politics. After interviewing Wisconsin politicians and people on the street, the group promotes their work through social media and videos on their YouTube channel. The Teens Talk Politics experience will translate perfectly to Mikayla’s role in Chase the Race 2016, where she plans to continue addressing the needs of America’s youth.

Gabryelle Matz Carter - Covering the Final Democratic Debate

Alumna, Envision’s Intensive Law & Trial

When Gabryelle moved from the Chicago suburbs to Seattle, in the year of the 2008 election, she realized why our nation’s aspiring leaders fought to ensure the life, liberty and prosperity of all Americans. At that time, classmates remarked that she only supported Barack Obama because she was black. Now, at age 16, she is president of her junior class, with a fierce passion for justice and equality. In addition to her fight against discrimination, she is also a youthful voice for stronger gun regulations.

Austin McBee – Covering the Republican National Convention

Alumnus, Envision’s Intensive Law & Trial

Austin believes the presidential campaign doesn't have to be confusing or boring and plans to help every student connect to our nation’s leaders, through Chase the Race 2016. This Texas 11th grader has a passion for law, government and politics, and is eager to share this enthusiasm with others his age. He feels his generation is focused on being accepted and accepting others as they are, without pressure to conform. On a global scale he’s especially interested in national security.

Nick Nelson – Covering the Democratic National Convention

Alumnus, Envision’s NYLF Digital Media, Film & Journalism

This Kansas high school junior is in Video Productions, on his school's broadcast journalism team, and makes his own films – but he’s just getting warmed up. Nicholas loves journalism and filmmaking and will pursue a career in this field when he graduates. He’s ready to showcase the political views of his generation as a Chase the Race 2016 reporter, and believes this demographic wants information presented in a format that is both entertaining and concise. In addition to covering the campaign, he is equally excited to vote for the first time, in 2016.

Sean O’Connor – Covering the Final Republican Debate, Envision’s NYLF National Security

Alumnus, Envision’s NYLF National Security

Sean believes that true freedom and democracy require a "well-informed and educated populace." As a Chase the Race 2016 reporter, he takes pride in informing others, so they may have the power to make their own enlightened decisions on Election Day. This Pennsylvania 11th grader feels his generation needs to be ready to use advancements in social technology in a responsible manner, enhancing the human experience and sharing innovative ideas. He’s also keenly aware of the growing competition for today’s youth as they enter the job market in a dynamic global economy.

Margaret Pfohl – Covering the Republican National Convention, Envision’s NYLF Medicine

Alumna, Envision’s NYLF Medicine

Being up-close and personal at election events is an item on Margaret’s bucket list! She believes many young people neglect to vote because they aren’t confident in their knowledge of the candidates and they don’t believe their vote will make a difference. She plans to change this attitude during her Chase the Race 2016 coverage, and help young Americans learn how to impact society for the better. Margaret is a high school senior in Georgia, turning 18 in March. She’s very excited to vote for the first time.

Kaicey Pritts – Covering the Final Democratic Debate

Alumna, Envision’s NYLF Digital Media, Film & Journalism

With a true passion for both journalism and leadership, this Houston 11th grader is an active student reporter. She leads the reporting teams for the National Charity League, school football program, and 4-H Club. She also uses her communication and leadership skills as the captain of her gymnastics team. Today’s key issues, in Kaicey’s mind, include unemployment, the college tuition crisis, gun control, the environment, and at-risk teens.

Fiona Ross – Covering the Final Republican Debate

Alumna, Envision’s NYLF Inside Sports & Entertainment

As a Chase the Race 2016 reporter, Fiona will apply the leadership skills she developed in Girls Scouts, theater and on student council to help teens relate to the political process and share their voices. She looks forward to providing a women’s perspective in a male-dominated field and to serving as a role model for younger students. This California 9th grader believes equality for all, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, is an extremely relevant topic for her generation.

Bayan Salamah – Covering the Democratic National Convention

Alumna, Envision’s NYLF Medicine

Bayan is a hijabi American-Palestinian Muslim who believes in America as the land of opportunity. Journalism, politics and medicine top the list of her passions, and she feels the NYLF Medicine program helped her develop her own identity. Diversity and discrimination are key issues for this Illinois 10th grader.

Although there are only twelve spots available for covering the milestone campaign events in person, another group of outstanding students has been invited to form our National News Team. They will provide campaign content and local election night coverage in and around their home towns.

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