About the Staff

Fall Semester 2023 Clarion Staff


Executive Editor

Rylee Schaeffer

Major: History

Bio: Hello! My name is Rylee Schaeffer, I am studying History here at Sinclair. I plan on transferring to a four year university to complete my bachelor’s degree. I joined the Clarion to gain experience and to get more involved on campus.

Interests: reading, music, travel, and trying new things

Creative Director

LeAnne McPherson

Major: Communications and English

Bio: Hello! ^-^ I am LeAnne Marie McPherson. I use She pronouns. I’m a 23-year-old who loves writing, my family, my long-term boyfriend Dakota, and my friends. I deeply care about the world around me and I think activism, voting, and staying informed are incredibly important things. I am disabled and am always fighting for improving the quality of life for our community.

Interests: Writing, video gaming, music, live streaming, internet culture, film, cartoons, comics, cosplay, general nerd culture, food, theater, alternative fashion, nature, and design.

Managing Editor

Ismael David Mujahid

Bio: I am a writer, photographer, poet, and traveler from Seattle currently living in Dayton. Throughout my life, I have had a passion for the written word and adventure. Those interests have helped drive my love for all things literary and spurred me to travel as far and as often as I can. Through the power of writing, I hope to share stories and experiences that inspire and educate others the way I continue to be. Backed by an ambition that has seen me explore the deepest corners of the human imagination and over 25 countries, I know I have what it takes to meet this challenge. 

Accolades: 1st Place in the 2022 Spectrum Awards’ Adult Fiction Category, 2nd Place in the 2022 Spectrum Awards’ Adult Poetry Category, named Outstanding Creative Writing Major at the 2022 Spectrum Awards, recipient of the 2023 NIA Award

Interests: books, travel, photography, gaming, miniatures, music, and culture!

Associate Editor

Jaime Herzog

Major: Digital Marketing Analytics

Bio: Hello, my name is Jaime Herzog. I am a mother, dog mama, and plant enthusiast. I am currently completing two certificate programs at Sinclair before returning to Wright State University to complete my master’s in digital marketing Analytics. I have a BFA and own and operate several small businesses.

Interests: I love reading, writing, and all things outdoors. Most of the time my clothes are stained from painting or pottery.

Multimedia Specialist/Distribution/Podcast Host

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Jay Mazega

Major: Computer Information Systems/Software Development

Bio: Hi! My name is Joao Pedro, but everyone calls me Jay. I am 22 years old and was born and
raised in the country of Brazil. I moved to Ohio in 2020 and started working at the Clarion on
Spring of 2023. When I am not typing code and messing with wiring, I enjoy making music,
painting, and writing poetry. It seems fitting that my job here is essentially a mixture of my
interests!

Interests: Poetry; Music composition; Everything flower-related; A good day on the sunshine.

Staff Writers

Carly Webster

Major: Liberal Arts 

Bio: Hi! My name is Carly (she/her). I graduated from Brookville High School in May 2021. I discovered The Clarion during my first semester at Sinclair’s Englewood campus, and the rest is history! I enjoy writing pieces on local arts and entertainment. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I’m glad I’m able to incorporate it into my college career. After finishing my degree, I plan to transfer and major in individualized or interdisciplinary studies. Thank you for supporting student media!

Interests: social/world issues, video games, books, films, concerts.

Breanna Gambill

Major: Multimedia Journalism

Bio: Hi! my name is Breanna Gambill I am 21 and currently getting my associates at here at Sinclair. I loved writing in high school and learning new things and getting to share those things with others so journalism has always been pretty interesting to me, I’m excited to be able to write more and learn more about what journalism has to offer!

Interests: I love traveling, listening to music, playing music, reading and playing video games!

Graphic Designers

Karen Shirk

Major: Vis. Communication

Bio: Hi! My name is Karen Shirk (He/Him pronouns) I’m an indigenous Two-Spirit human studying marketing and visual communications at Sinclair. I joined the clarion staff for graphic design experience. When not in school I’m a leader in the Q+ community and an artist.

Interests: Art, Writing, LGBTQ Rights

Staff Writers

Macey Heys

Major: Creative Writing

Bio: Hi, my name is Macey. I am in my second year at Sinclair and will be transferring to UD to get my bachelor’s degree in creative writing. I joined the Clarion because I knew it would encourage me to write every single day. Plus, I enjoy learning and gaining new skills and interests. My favorite past time activities are reading, writing (poetry and short stories), and painting. One of my goals is to travel the world.

Interests: Reading, music, art, any/all things French related, animals (especially chickens), road trips, and avocado toast.

Kion Kevan Kattick

Major: Digital Media Design (video)

Bio: I am an international student from Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean country. I try to help as much as possible sometimes too much!

Interests: Anime, Cars, kdrama, NF

Reporter

Myia Raney

Major : business administration

What’s up, my name is Myia, I’m a mom to a 5 year old and my  major is business administration but I plan on switching to computer science soon. I joined The Clarion just to let out a dream of mine of becoming a writer.

Interests: Computers, Reading, Writing & Watching Tv.

Interns

Kyle Mounce

Major: Multimedia Broadcast Journalism

Bio: I am one of the writers here at the Clarion. My passion for news and love for the art of writing came at the start of my freshman year in high school. The reason why I signed on to The Clarion is to get a firsthand experience in what being a writer in broadcast journalism will feel like. Even though I have autism I still have big dreams ahead of me.

Interests: I like spending time with my family, watching reality shows, singing, reading and traveling.

Web Technicians

Jawad (JoJo)

Major: Computer Information Systems/Software Development

Bio: Hi, my name is Jawad, but you can call me JoJo. I’m an international student here in the USA. My major is computer science/ software development. My future plans is to be a video game designer or developer. I’m a big fan of a lot of things and I love to try them. I manly focus on sport and playing video games like gymnastics, professional boxing, and all sorts of games.

Interests: sports, gaming, adventure, writing, traveling, music, cooking.

business manager

Manmeet Kaur

Major: Business management/Criminal Justice
Hey, I am Manmeet Kaur. I joined the Clarion team as the business manager. I am an international student here in the US. My future plan is to transfer to a law school as I aspire to become a lawyer.
Interests: Travelling, gym, photography, cooking, music, adventure

Tomoya

Major: Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

Bio: Hi, I’m Tomoya. I’m an international student from Japan. My major is computer science especially networking. I want to be a network engineer in the US and make own ramen shop in Dayton. I love ramen. I also like to travel around the world and eat ramen each country. They are different taste and price.

Interests: Ramen, Anime, Apple, and Traveling

Advertising Representative

Mason Burgess

Bio: Howdy my name is Mason Burgess I am a liberal arts student who will be transferring to a 4 year college. I plan on becoming a animator and hopefully make something that can bring joy to people

Interests: drawing, video games, singing ,make up stories, dancing

Advisor

Jessica Graue

Department: Journalism

Bio: “I started my journey at Sinclair Community College in 1999 as a student. I also played volleyball for the school. After I graduated with a degree in communication, I went to Wright State and received my bachelor’s degree in mass communication. After working for various newspapers, I went back to school and got my master’s degree in English Composition and Rhetoric and that’s when I began teaching and fell in love. After five years at Cox Media, I was offered my dream job as a journalism instructor and Clarion advisor. A few facts about me are I am a comedian, I have won five Associated Press awards, and I love to go to the casinos with my family.”

Interests: Reading, writing, performing comedy, eating good food, and helping out my students in any way I can!