Whitewater Publications has had a few interns from Franklin County High School the last couple of years, but this semester our intern had a special request – to work at the sports desk.

Meet Joey (Josephine) Eckstein, a senior at FCHS whose love of sports could probably rival any of her classmates.

We asked Joey a few questions as she settles in for another week – six hours plus some game coverage - in the newsroom.

WP: Tell us about your family.

Joey: My parents are Pat and Nicky Eckstein. Younger siblings are Jagger and Finley Eckstein. 

WP: What made you want to work for the paper's sports department as your internship? 

Joey: I decided on the sports department for the paper because I've always had a strong passion for sports and would love to have a career involving sports one day. 

WP: What are some of your responsibilities and are you enjoying the position so far? 

Joey: Some of my responsibilities are writing sports recaps and sports stories. I also pick out pictures that will be put with the stories. I am very much enjoying this position and I would like to do something like this after I graduate college. 

WP: How do you think this will benefit you in college and when you get into the professional world? 

Joey: This internship has given me real life experience and will help me with my major, which is going to be something with broadcasting. This will also benefit me when I get in the professional world as I'll have some experience already. 

WP: What will you study in college and pursue upon graduation? 

Joey: I plan to study either sports broadcasting or sports management. I plan to have a job in baseball in some shape or form. The goal is Major League Baseball.

WP: What kind of things have you learned about the news industry since you started?

Joey: I have learned how quick the turnaround on stories is. Also, I have learned that to make the paper it is a whole team effort and could not be done by just one person. 

WP: What do you like most about sports? 

Joey: What I like most about sports is the community around it. Like no matter what, people are going to tune into the games whether their team is winning or not. 

WP: Would you recommend the newspaper office to future interns? Why or why not?

Joey: I would recommend the newspaper to future interns because it is a great opportunity where you get real life work experience. 
I would like to thank the school and the paper for giving me this opportunity.