MACON, Ga. — Junior Journalist selections are in full swing.
13WMAZ held open auditions in June and July on-camera interviews with finalists last week.
Behind the scenes, 13WMAZ recruited community leaders to help select this year's candidates, including Jennifer Jones with Houston County schools, Ben Bridges with Bibb County schools and Richard Frazier-Sostillo from Theatre Macon.
But for one judge involved in this year's auditions, her experience with the Junior Journalist program has come full circle.
Ivia Rollins knows a thing or two about the job. 13 years ago, she got her start as a storyteller.
"I admire this program because it gives so many creative pathways for storytelling and many of the skills that I got when I was a junior journalist back in 2011 to 2013, the ancient ages," Rollins said.
Born and raised in Macon, Rollins says her experience as a Junior Journalist was a blessing.
"It was a huge opportunity in my life," Rollins said. "Storytelling has always been a huge part of me, writing and doing voiceover work and junior journalism taught me that I could tell stories in a lot of ways."
Rollins went on to study journalism, communication studies, and Africana studies at Mercer University, graduating in 2023.
Now, she's training to work in TV and film in Atlanta.
"I'm acting now and I'm writing now and I am going down different avenues with my storytelling and creativity. It's helping me to think back on little me and say 'Wow, you know, you were so excited about this experience and it paid off,'" Rollins said.
From one JJ to another, Rollins says she is impressed by this year's candidates.
"I'm feeling proud of the kids that I'm seeing. I just can't wait to see how they express their creativity as they continue to grow," Rollins said.
Final selections for the 2024 Junior Journalist team will be announced in the coming weeks.