From leading the Massillon majorettes and Varsity gymnastics team to making an impact in local journalism, Katy exemplifies Tiger pride in everything she does!
We asked Katy a few questions about her high school memories, accomplishments, and advice for current students—here’s what she shared:
Q: What year did you graduate from Massillon Washington High School?
A: I graduated in 2020.
Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during your time at WHS?
A: I was a four-year member of MTSB, participating as a Massillon majorette for all four years, two of which I was a squad and rank leader. I was also on the Varsity gymnastics team all four years, serving as captain my senior year. I was in the National Honor Society and served as Vice President. I served on the student council for a year, participated in the Teen Court program for two years, and co-edited the school paper as one of the co-editors my senior year, under the guidance of David Morgan.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your high school years?
A: My favorite memory was performing during my junior year Massillon vs McKinley game, which would have been my last rivalry game inside Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. The memory of looking up into the stands from the field and seeing a tidal wave of orange and black cheering back at me always makes me feel proud to be a Tiger. I also got to twirl fire for the first time that game, which was terrifying and cool all at the same time. That was the first time I remember actively seeing myself up on the Jumbotron in real time, which felt surreal and one of my first “you made it” moments.
Q: What have you gone on to achieve since graduation?
A: I attended and graduated from Ohio University in the winter of 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism News and Information with a specialization in psychology and a social media certificate. After freelancing with the Toledo City Paper for about six months, I was hired on as a Newsroom Reporter at the Huron Daily Tribune based in Bad Axe, Michigan in the summer of 2024. I moved to Huron County, MI (approx. 5.5 hours from Massillon) at the end of July and have been here since, celebrating a year with the paper this August.
During my time with the paper, I have helped develop ethical and journalist-friendly AI resources for our parent company, Hearst, through the company’s AI panel. I serve as one of the only fully dedicated reporters on the board, as well as one of two women, and am also the youngest member. Over the past year, I have spearheaded the Tribune’s education reporting section, helping to shine a light on stories within the local schools that were previously untold.
After about six months of living and working in Huron County, a small community of about 30,000 people, I had the honor of being named one of the county’s top 20 individuals under 40 for 2024. Most recently, I started a new series at the Tribune, deep diving into the experiences of dedicated volunteers who keep community organizations alive, hoping to inspire more to join.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of my college graduation! After not being able to experience a true and complete graduation ceremony in high school due to COVID-19, my college graduation ceremony was and is an extremely important moment for me. This was made all the more special because I was able to finish early and with high honors.
Q: How did your time at Massillon help prepare you for life after high school?
A: My time at Massillon prepared me a TON for adult life. It gave me an appreciation and affinity for tight-knit communities, which is now something I actively search for and prioritize when relocating (college, internships, and now my first career job). Although I resented the “small town feel” of Massillon growing up, it’s now one of my favorite parts of home and a strength in communities.
I also developed many key life skills from teachers and activities at school—from leadership and interpersonal skills during Squad Leader Training for Swing Band to developing my early journalistic sense for stories in Mr. Morgan’s Journalism class. I owe a lot to Massillon educators for instilling lifelong knowledge.
Q: What advice would you give to current Tigers?
A: As cliché as it is, don’t take any of your time for granted. Those four years, although they feel endless, fly by. The opportunities you seize at Massillon—like Miss Massillonian, Top 25, David Scholarship—can hugely impact your future. It’s a lot of work, but the positive payoffs continue to follow me to this day, and I’m eternally grateful.
We’re so proud of you, Katy, and all that you’ve accomplished!