As summer draws to a close, we at the Marblehead Current reflect on a time of growth, learning and community engagement, largely thanks to our exceptional and dedicated group of interns. These young journalists have not only contributed significantly to our publication but have also reminded us of the importance of nurturing new talent in the field of local journalism.
This spring and summer, we had the privilege of working with four outstanding interns: Benji Boyd, Max Arbo, Lia Gorbach and Grey Collins. Each brought unique perspectives and skills to our newsroom, enhancing our coverage and connecting us more deeply with the Marblehead community.
Boyd, a Marblehead High School senior whose internship will continue into the academic year, has been with us since September 2023, primarily covering arts and culture. His articles have spanned a variety of subjects, from the Marblehead Arts Association’s annual Summer Members Show to the high school’s Culture Feast celebration. His passion for the arts and his ability to capture the cultural pulse of our town have made him an invaluable member of our team.
Arbo, our first-ever Marblehead High School senior project intern, brought his award-winning writing skills to our newsroom. Arbo’s contributions ranged from covering local events like the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration to writing thought-provoking columns on topics such as procrastination, often with wit and humor.
Gorbach, a rising junior at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism and our 2024 college summer intern, has tackled a diverse array of stories. From local politics, covering the Select Board race, to community events like the Counseling Center’s first Community Wellness Day, Gorbach has demonstrated a keen ability to capture the essence of Marblehead’s civic life. Her articles on the town’s Juneteenth celebration and the historic Glover’s encampment at Fort Sewell have showcased her talent for weaving together local history and current events. She also applied her social media skills to help us maintain our online accounts.
Collins, a Marblehead High School junior whose internship will continue into the new academic year, initially joined our team to produce his occasional “Where in Marblehead” photo feature. His keen eye for capturing the essence of our town through his camera lens has resulted in a stunning portfolio of images that show the Marblehead community with beauty and character. Collins’ photographs, from Redds Pond boat races to firefighters bringing out the ladder engine to spray children on a hot summer day, have added to our storytelling. But Collins’ talents extend beyond photography, we quickly discovered: He possesses an aptitude for writing as well.
Meeting with our interns on Mondays at Mookies—or occasionally on Thursdays at Shubie’s—has become a weekly highlight. These informal gatherings, over coffee and pastries, have not only fostered camaraderie and creative collaboration but also provided a relaxed space to check in and exchange ideas. Plus, our interns are simply a joy to be around.
The world of journalism is far from predictable, and through their time with us, our interns have become well acquainted with the realities of the profession: Sources don’t always reply. Promising leads sometimes lack substance. They’ve learned to dig deeper, ask probing questions and look beyond the surface for real stories. They’ve grown more resilient, finding new angles and meeting tight deadlines. They’ve also honed the crucial skill of story pitching, including what qualifies as “newsworthy.”
Perhaps most importantly, they’ve seen the real-world impact of our work undertaken together. They’ve witnessed how reporting can draw ire, bring people together, spark community conversations and hold local leaders and institutions accountable, underscoring the power and responsibility that comes with local journalism.
To Benji, Max, Lia and Grey, thank you. Your contributions and fresh perspectives haven’t just improved our pages — you’ve reinforced our purpose.
