Hi, I'm Kasey:)

My name is Kasey Thompson, and I am a sophomore at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I am currently the Online Managing Editor for JMU's student newspaper The Breeze. I also work with our website and social media accounts. 

I have lived in Harrisonburg my whole life and despite this, chose to attend James Madison University down the road from where I've spent the last 20 years to be a part of their School of Media Arts and Design (SMAD).

This website originally served as my portfolio submission for the Journalist of the Year competition, but I have updated it throughout college to use as a resource. 

My Background in Room 444

When I joined the newspaper staff my freshman year, I was intimidated by the busy nature of the newsroom, and it clouded any excitement at the prospect of spending the next four years in Room 444. However, I quickly realized that this was going to become my niche. I found my voice in writing through the guidance of upperclassmen and began to seek out the "big" stories. I knew after ninth grade that I would be an editor when I was a senior.
I did not have the traditional four year experience on staff, as my introduction to the program was cut short when COVID-19 hit. Despite this obstacle, I worked to develop my writing skills online and started to dip my toes in yearbook design throughout my freshman and sophomore years. When I came back junior year in person, I was chosen for a print managing editor position. I continued to nurture my passion for storytelling but simultaneously planned a yearbook for the first time and discovered my passion for design. 

My Fellow Staff Members Say...

Kasey was the first to make me feel at home in the Newsstreak room. She never failed to make me feel like I had a purpose, a place there. I credit Kasey with making me feel welcome enough to be able to truly shine and reach my full potential in the program."
​- Yearbook Managing Editor Clare Kirwan
Kasey is really great at explaining step by step and helping me out whenever I am confused or have a silly question. She is always understanding, positive and willing to help. I am very grateful to have her there and willing to help so I have the tools to do things on my own."
- First Year Staff Reporter Elsie Corriston 

Reflection: The Portfolio Process

Over the years, I have always been the first person to doubt myself and my abilities, whether that be being in charge of a really important story, learning yearbook skills for the first time or applying for the state JOY contest. However, I have had some really impactful people in my corner that have believed in me when I didn't. Going into the application process for this contest I asked my adviser if I should even submit an application, feeling doubtful that I had enough to show for my four years of experience. With her encouragement, my fellow Editor's in Chief in my corner and my family, I am really thankful that I was named VA Journalist of the Year. 

I hope to continue in the journalism world, gaining more and more knowledge and along with that, more confidence in myself and my abilities. I care a lot about how I can make an impact as a student journalist in my school and community and I hope that this portfolio lets that shine. 
My high school staff won the following awards over the four years I was contributing: 
2022 awards:
Virginia High School League (VHSL) First Class, Newspaper
Virginia High School League (VHSL) Trophy Class, Website
Virginia High School League (VHSL) First Class, Yearbook
Quill and Scroll International First Place Award
National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) First Class, Yearbook
National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) All-American, Newspaper

2021 awards:
Virginia High School League (VHSL) First Class, Website
Virginia High School League (VHSL) First Class, Yearbook
First Amendment Press Freedom Award
Online Pacemaker Finalist
Quill and Scroll International First Place Award

2020 awards: 
Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Gold Crown
Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup Award 

​2019 awards:
Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Gold Crown
Charles E. Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence in Scholastic Journalism, Newspaper
Charles E. Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence in Scholastic Journalism, Website
Virginia High School League (VHSL) Trophy Class, Website
Virginia High School League (VHSL) Trophy Class, Newspaper
Online Pacemaker Finalist
Quill and Scroll International First Place Award