A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Kirsten DeMass

This week’s A Portage Life in the Spotlight is Kirsten DeMass, a senior at Portage High School who was a finalist for the Indiana Journalist of the Year competition this year through the Indiana High School Press Association.

Kirsten is the Editor-in-Chief of the Portage High School yearbook, Legend, and the Features Editor of the student newspaper, Pow Wow. Kirsten previously served as a features writer before being promoted to editor on Pow Wow. Kirsten is the daughter of Alan and Lidia DeMass and has one brother, Nick. She has lived in Portage her whole life.

“I think it was the right choice to be raised in Portage. I believe it is getting bigger and better known. I don't think I would want to grow up anywhere else, because I wouldn't be the person I am today or have met the people I know today” DeMass said.

Recently, Kirsten, along with fellow PHS student Rachel Santos, was picked as a finalist in the Indiana Journalist of the Year competition which is sponsored by the Indiana High School Press Association (IHSPA). She had to submit a portfolio and fill out many forms to be considered. Kirsten, along with Rachel, was picked as one of the top ten student journalist in the state. The award was presented at the IHSPA’s annual First Amendment Symposium which took place on March 7 of this year at the state house in Indianapolis.

“I chose journalism because I enjoy writing and, sadly, the deadlines. It is also nice to know that you've accomplished something” she said.

Though she did not win the prestigious award, Kirsten still plans to continue in her journalism career by studying magazine journalism with a minor in graphic design at Columbia College in Chicago this fall and said what an honor it was to be nominated.

“Being picked as a finalist is amazing. I would relive that moment again if I could,” she said “To be one of the top student journalists in the state is awesome and really meant a lot to me.”

Kirsten is also very active in the other journalism opportunities at Portage High School including Pow Wow Radio, INN-TV and Indians Sports Corner Magazine. Kirsten is a host on PWR This Week, the Production Assistant for INN News This Morning and is a staff writer for the ISC Magazine. Kirsten has become a mentor to many of her fellow journalism students. Journalism has made a major impact on Kirsten.

"My biggest influences are my peers because they make me strive to write and be a part of journalism” DeMass added.

Between journalism and her job at Little Creasers, Kirsten does not have much time to spend on many other activities. She said she tries her best to spend time with her family and friends but being the editor of two publications has proven very difficult for her.

“Between all I do at the school for journalism and my job at Little Casers, I don’t have much time to participate in anything else” she added.

Kirsten also talked about her parents and the huge impact they have made on her life.

“They are both very successful and have always been there for me. I couldn’t imagine doing any of this without them by my side” she said.

With all of the time Kirsten has dedicated to Portage High School and her continued success in the field of journalism, Kirsten DeMass is undoubtedly A Portage Life in the Spotlight.

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