Athens Academy is proud to announce that rising senior Eva Saraf has earned admission to two of the nation’s most prestigious journalism programs: the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C., and the Medill-Northwestern University Journalism Institute, widely known as the “Cherubs” program.

Eva was selected as Georgia’s representative for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, which will be held this summer in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Freedom Forum, the conference brings together 51 high school juniors—one from each state and the District of Columbia—for an immersive journalism experience focused on developing the next generation of journalists and media leaders.

In addition, Eva has been accepted to Medill-Northwestern University Journalism Institute, one of the oldest and most respected summer enrichment programs for high school students in the United States. Since 1931, the Institute has welcomed outstanding students to Northwestern’s Evanston campus for intensive educational experiences in journalism, theatre arts, film and video, debate, and playwriting.

Students in the program are affectionately known as “Cherubs,” a nickname coined in the 1930s by Northwestern Dean Ralph Dennis. His vision “to bring together gifted young people and superior teachers in an atmosphere of affection, knowledge, and trust” remains at the heart of the program today. As the oldest and largest university-based program of its kind, the journalism institute provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills alongside talented peers and accomplished instructors. According to Athens Academy Writing Center Coordinator Tricia Edmison,

“Eva became an editor for The Spartan Review shortly after taking Writing for Publication as a freshman, and she will be next year's editor-in-chief. Her tireless commitment to journalism through internships with The Red & Black and her writing in The Oglethorpe Echo fueled her personal growth and transformed The Spartan Review. Eva's work continues to improve the quality of our publication, but more importantly, she continues to inspire a new generation of Spartan storytellers.”

Athens Academy congratulates Eva on these remarkable achievements and looks forward to seeing her continue to pursue her passion for journalism on both the national and collegiate stage.

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 59th year, Athens

Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #7 private school in the state of Georgia (out of 400+ schools), and #1 private school in North Georgia (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at [email protected] or 706-433-2410.