Rachel McDaniel

I write important and factual news stories, compelling feature stories and countless stories about outstanding members of the community. I take photos to accompany stories and draw readers to the newspaper. I design pages each week which appeal to readers with quality photography as well as providing information about community events. I post stories to the Journal Reporter website at pikecountygeorgia.com to keep readers up to date on breaking news and upcoming events. I manage the Journal Reporter facebook page to increase social media awareness of the Pike County community.

I worked daily with photographers and writers to design pages for the Hickory Daily Record's regular and special sections. I also worked part time with a sister newspaper, the Statesville Record and Landmark, designing pages and special sections.

My dedication as a reporter helped me to earn a position as news editor (which I held for two years) and then a promotion to Executive Editor my senior year. I was in charge of assigning and writing thousands of news, feature and sports stories as well as working with the photography staff to arrange for photos to be taken for print and web editions. I learned invaluable lessons about working with people, the importance of fair and unbiased coverage and how to interest readers with well-written stories, intriguing photos and information boxes.