MACON, Ga. — The search to find our new team of 13WMAZ Junior Journalists started in June and July with open auditions, callbacks, then scores by a panel of community judges.
Finally, we get to meet the new crew this week.
Day One
First, our Frank Malloy went to the Academy for Classical Education to meet Erica Scandrett.
Erica says she was cautiously optimistic about her chances in the final round.
“I kind of expected [to be selected],” she said. “But I wasn't going to get my hopes too high because if you didn't come, I didn't want to be too disappointed.”
After meeting with Erica, Frank took a trip up to Lizella, where he surprised Khloe Thomas-Phelps, who attends Georgia Cyber Academy.
“Who did you think was knocking on your door this morning?” Frank asked.
“UPS or something,” Khloe said. “I'm so happy right now, you probably can't see it, but I am so happy right now.”
Next, Frank headed to Thomson Middle School in Centerville, home of the Tigers and one of our newest Junior Journalists, Levi Ratzken.
“What was it about being a Junior Journalist that interested you?” Frank asked.
“I just wanted to inform people about what’s going on in the world,” Levi said. “To tell people about crime, traffic and stuff like that - keep people informed, because that’s what news is all about.”
Frank’s final stop of the day was at Appling Middle School, where he surprised Ryleigh Thomas in the middle of band class.
Ryleigh said she was excited to get on TV alongside ‘famous’ people such as Frank.
“In a few years, would you like to take my place?” Frank asked.
“Yes,” Ryleigh said.
Congratulations to Erica Scandrett, Khloe Thomas-Phelps, Levi Ratzken and Ryleigh Thomas, four members of our new team of Junior Journalists!
Day Two
13WMAZ’s Lori Johnson had the opportunity to greet the next round of Junior Journalists.
First, she made her way to Howard Middle School to meet Carter Taylor. After talking with Lori, Carter called his mom to give her the good news.
“What’s your mom going to say?” Lori asked.
“She’s going to be so happy,” Carter said. “She’s going to be ecstatic.”
After that, Lori went across town to Tattnall Square Academy to see Blair Plaxico. Blair is on currently on crutches, but she's not letting that hold her back.
“I just think that I have a good personality, and I’m funny and I’m just full of spunk,” Blair said.
Next, Lori travelled to Central City Church microschool, where she found Amarion Jones in the middle of a basketball game.
“What’s the biggest thing you’re looking forward to?” Lori asked.
“I want to be able to serve the community,” Amarion said. “You know, go around and do what Junior Journalists do.”
Lori’s final stop was with Jo’Vante Passard at Weaver Middle School. Jo’Vante also quickly called his mom to tell her about his new position as a Junior Journalist.
“Thank you to all the 13WMAZ team for electing me as a Junior Journalist,” he said. “Thank you so much.”
Congratulations to Carter Taylor, Blair Plaxico, Amarion Jones and Jo’Vante Passard, four more members of the new team of 13WMAZ Junior Journalists!
Day Three
13WMAZ's Chief Meteorologist Ben Jones had the chance to welcome our final three Junior Journalists for the 2024 team.
His first stop was at Bonaire Middle School, home of the Jaguars. When he got there, he found Cora Jean Daniell.
After hearing the news, Cora made a call to her grandmother.
"I'm at school right now, and I just got picked to be a junior journalist!" Cora said.
"Oh my goodness," Her grandma said. "Congratulations, darling!"
Next, Ben headed over to Feagin Mill Middle School in Warner Robins to meet Satch Gilbert.
Satch wasn't in the classroom when Ben got there, so Satch was surprised to find a 13WMAZ camera team in the room when he got back.
"Why are we here?" Ben asked.
"Oh no, I remember," Satch said. "I actually made it? No way ... This is awesome, thank you so much."
Ben's final stop was at a very familiar school for the Junior Journalist bunch. 13WMAZ's last three Junior Journalist teams have featured a Bleckley County student, and the 2024 team is keeping up with the trend.
When Ben got to Bleckley County, he found Cheyenne Garnto.
"Look at that, there's your name," Ben said, holding up Cheyenne's plaque. "What do you think?"
"I'm excited," Cheyenne said.
Congratulations to Cora Jean Daniell, Satch Garnto and Cheyenne Garnto, the final three members of the new team of 13WMAZ Junior Journalists!
