
Journalist. Advocate. Thinker. Questioner.
For me, stepping into journalism was akin to Alice stepping into the magical world of Wonderland; my journalism class had been completely different than any other class I’d ever known. Independence was a necessity to survive the class, and creativity flooded the room each and every day. Even today, four years later and a complete cycle of writers and editors, the class remains an anomaly within the monotony of my other classes; yet, it is a perfect anomaly that I can’t imagine living without.
I’d always loved writing, but it wasn’t until I joined Parkway West’s newspaper, the Pathfinder, that my skills were put under a spotlight and challenged. Therefore, my portfolio is not only a showcase of my work but an exhibition of my growth throughout my high school journalism career. Beyond high school, I aim to take the skills I’ve learned through journalism to continue my work with dismantling systems stemming from bigotry and prejudice and facilitating conversations around equity.
With this portfolio — that denotes some of my favorite stories that I’ve written, leadership skills I’ve developed, and the community that I’m proud to call a second home — I have the raw hope that my passion and dedication to writing is apparent.




My name is Elizabeth Franklin and I am a freshman at the Historically Black University Dillard University, where I currently am studying Urban Studies & Public Policy and Political Science as a double-major. As a writer, I love exploring topics related to equity and shining a light on historically underserved groups and minorities.
Outside of journalism, I’m active in my community as a servant leader and a volunteer. Here are some must-knows about me:
Relevant Courses
Expository Writing & Argument and Research
Convergence Journalism I
Convergence Journalism II
Convergence Journalism III
Convergence Journalism IV
Broadcasting and Production
Advanced Broadcasting and Production
Advisers: Lindsey Katz (2023-Present), Debra Klevens (2020-2023)
Positions
Pathfinder
Editor-in-Chief (2023-Present),
Awards Coordinator (2023-Present)
A&E/Opinions Editor (2022-2023)
Editor-in-Training (2021-2022)
Staff Writer (2020-Present)
Other
Summer Intern (West Newsmagazine; 2022)
PR Associate (Just for Kidz, 2021-20)
Chairwoman (St. Louis County Yoth Advisory Council, 2023-2024)
Individual Awards
-
Fourth place in NSPA’s Spring Clips n’Clicks Contest (2021)
-
St. Louis Press Club’s 2021 Writing Contest winner in “Features” category (2021)
-
Winner in Quill & Scroll’s International Writing, Photo, and Multimedia Contest for in-depth reporting, individual (2022)
-
Winner in Quill & Scroll’s International Writing, Photo, and Multimedia Contest for features reporting, individual (2022)
-
An “Excellent” in review writing by the National Student Press Association and Journalism Education Association (2022)
-
CSPA Student Gold Circle Awards - Second Place, Features for “The pride and culture of Black hair” (2022)
-
Gold Key from the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Regional Awards in journalism for "They can't be trusted" (2023)
-
National Student Press Association’s Leadership Award in Journalism (2023)
-
Gold Key from 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Regional Awards in journalism for "Mishandling misogynoir" (2024)
-
2024 Missouri Student Journalist of the Year
-
CSPA Student Gold Circle Awards - CM for "The vilifcation of Black history is exactly why we need it" (2024)
-
Gold Medal from 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing National Awards in journalism for 'Mishandling misogynoir' (2024)
Best of SNOs for:
Staff Awards
-
Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medal Critique (2023-2024)
-
Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown (2022-2023)
-
School Newspaper Online Distinguished Site status (2022-2023)
-
National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker (2021-2022)
-
Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown (2021-2022)
-
National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist
-
Quill & Scroll Blue and Gold Award for Writing Excellence
-
School Newspaper Online Distinguished site status (2020-2021)
Best of SNOs for: