The Luverne Journal is pleased to announce the decision to bring Abbigail Vickery onto the newsroom staff as a summer intern reporter.

Vickery is a graduate of Crenshaw Christian Academy (CCA) where she was valedictorian for the class of 2024. She attends the University of Alabama and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in news media. After graduation, Abbigail plans to work in sports broadcasting.

She said she is extremely grateful for the internship as she recognizes the importance of having experience in the journalism field. 

“Everybody has always told me that the key to getting hired in the journalism industry is having good internships and work experience,” Vickery said. “My teachers at school emphasize grades of course, but working with deadlines and learning how to share ideas and collaborate with others is really what companies are looking for when they’re hiring new employees.”

Besides reading and writing, Vickery said she enjoys staying involved in the community as much as possible. In high school, she participated in various athletics as well as volunteer work as a  Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. 

According to Vickery, one of the hardest parts of the transition from high school to college has been staying involved in her hometown of Rutledge

“When you’re in high school, you have lots of opportunities thrown your way. It’s a little different when you graduate because you become entirely responsible for yourself and what you can do for your community,” Vickery said. “Taking this internship means so much to me. Getting to interview people from Crenshaw County and telling their stories feels like I’m giving back to the place I grew up, and that’s really special.”

Lanell Downs Smith, regional editor for the Journal, expressed the excitement with which the newsroom welcomes Vickery to the team.

“We covered Abbigail’s high school successes in the Journal and received a warm recommendation of her character and work ethic from CCA’s recently retired headmaster, Becky Baggett,” Smith said. “She brings strong writing skills and great instincts for what is important to our communities. We are honored to have her in the newsroom and eager to watch her flourish as a journalist by covering the people, places and events of her own community.”

Vickery resides in Rutledge with her parents, Rusty and Jessica Vickery, who she said have always supported her career ambitions. She hopes to gain knowledge, experience and connections from the internship that she can take into her future.

“I think this is such a great opportunity that The Luverne Journal offers,” Vickery said. “I know that this is going to be such a rewarding experience, and I’m so excited to get started.”