Meet the 2023 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Scholars

The 2023 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference class includes 51 high school juniors representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These scholars were selected from among a record number of more than 200 applicants.

More than half of this year’s class (53%) are students of color, and 69% are women.

Many are active in their school journalism programs, including 15% who are editors-in-chief of their high school publications. Several have been published in or interned for state and national publications, including:

• Honolulu Star-Advertiser
• WHYY (Philadelphia)
• VTDigger (Vermont)
• NPR
• Education Week
• Time for Kids
• PBS NewsHour

The class includes winners of the New York Times Personal Narrative and Student Editorial contests.

These students’ work in journalism has featured personal stories of mental health, race and culture, gun violence, literature, education, student press freedom, veterans, incarcerated writers and many more issues of importance to young people and their communities.

In addition to journalism, this year’s Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference scholars include students who have found success as an accomplished pianist, interned for a state representative, testified before Congress, achieved Eagle Scout status, played competitive tennis and been Model UN delegates. Members have participated in a wide range of charitable, civic and volunteer efforts in their communities.

Each of the selected students for the 2023 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference exemplifies Al Neuharth’s call to “Dream. Dare. Do.”

Hear from the 2023 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Scholars