The Hill News’ very own MoniYah Person-Henderson ‘23 has been selected to attend the George Mason Journalism Conference this summer, where she will have the opportunity to accelerate and broaden her passion for journalism. “I really started getting into journalism this past year,” explained Person-Henderson. “I did Hill News my sophomore year, and I really liked it; then I came back and did it even more, and I realized that I really liked communicating with people and learning more about people – not just what you see on the surface, but really about them, and that’s what Hill News and journalism is really all about.”

This year, Person-Henderson’s intrigue towards journalism became the gateway to representing The Hill School at the George Mason Journalism Conference in Fairfax, Va. This conference is a week-long learning program where students experience unique approaches to the world of journalism. The conference offers the opportunity for hands-on learning with industry leaders, award-winning journalists, international media outlets and Washington insiders. 

Person-Henderson expressed her enthusiasm for attending this event from July 10-15: “I’m looking forward to it! I love meeting new people; I love talking to people, and the program has a lot of great things. We’re visiting the Capitol for one day, and we’re going inside and meeting officials, talking with famous news anchors and famous journalists, and they’re giving us advice. Each day we’re going to be doing something different, so we’re never going to be bored. I’m super excited to get to meet other people my age that also share the same passion as me.”

Person-Henderson has garnered a positive reputation amongst her peers and advisers within the Hill News community. When asked for statements about her work and attitude towards this passion, the responses were an outpouring of pride and admiration.

“MoniYah has been an incredibly enthusiastic reporter for The Hill News. She is always willing to take on extra assignments, help out with breaking news, and work to make her pieces the best they can be. I’m impressed with how much MoniYah has improved as a writer, and I appreciate how seriously she takes the editing process. She’s continually looking for ways to improve her practice, and I believe this conference is a perfect opportunity for her to stretch herself and find a new challenge,” stated Elizabeth DeOrnellas, Hill News adviser, in an email. “I’m grateful to Dr. Pearson and the Writing Center for funding this fantastic opportunity for one of our reporters,” DeOrnellas added.

Editors who have had the opportunity to work alongside Person-Henderson also expressed their appreciation for her work. “MoniYah has become a reliable writer for the Hill News, not only through her constant contribution to issues, but also through her dedication towards creating informative and compelling articles. As an editor, I know I can count on her drafts and edits being done on time, knowing that her writing is well-researched through the obvious effort she puts into her interviews and the time she invests into crafting her article,” Features Editor Anna Carroll ‘23 stated.  

Art and Leisure Editor Wesley Connley ‘22 took a similar stance, saying, “MoniYah is down for any project put in front of her. She always puts in the time and the effort with a great attitude.”

Person-Henderson has high hopes for the conference and is excited to amalgamate her experiences this summer with her hobby. “I realized I really have a passion for journalism and communication,” she said. “I hope I get a lot of great information and meet a lot of great people and make good connections too; it’s important to have those connections.”