Page High School student and aspiring writer, Makenzie Erickson, recently received an offer to attend the prestigious School of the New York Times, an intensive ten day course in journalism for high school students who are passionate about a career in journalism and serious about sharpening their research and writing skills.

The School of the New York Times’ intensive curriculum is taught by New York Times journalists and other industry leaders. During her time at the school Makenzie will also meet and network with like-minded students from across America, and spend ten days following her dreams in the city of her dreams.
When Makenzie learned she’d been accepted into the School of the New York Times it was more exciting to her than winning the lottery.

“It felt like my dream was coming true,” she said. “This experience will give me experience and connections. It will influence my future, and my now.”
“Journalism is important,” she said. “People need to be informed.”

“A lot of people have interesting stories, but they may not be good at telling them,” she said. “I want to help them tell their stories.”

Erickson loves all things writing from poetry, fiction, travel writing to journalism. When she imagines her future – something she does a lot – she pictures herself doing one or more of those things, and doing it from an exciting locale.

“Writing has been a monumental part of my life and is something I want to pursue more seriously when I am an adult,” she said. “My biggest aspiration in life is to move to New York City – cheesy I know – to study and eventually work in the writing industry.”

“It started before she could even read,” said Ashley. “She always wanted books, books, books. As a toddler it was picture books, and by second or third grade she was reading chapter books. Makenzie started journaling in middle-school. She found it very therapeutic, a positive way to express and release strong emotions in times of anxiety, stress and happiness. As she grew older her journaling evolved into essays and poetry.

But attending the School of the New York Times is expensive. Tuition is $5,750. Materials are another $245 and travel expenses a few hundred more. They’ve raised a $1,000 so far but the remaining amount is still more money than Makenzie and her family have available. But they’re having a bowling fundraiser on March 3, at 3 p.m. at The Bowl to help raise funds. The event will include bowling, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

Makenzie has also set up a GoFundMe account where you can donate. To do so go to GoFundMe.com and in the search bar type in Makenzie Erickson School on New York Times.