Our Mentors and Alumni
Using a developed curriculum, the Young Journalists Mentors help grow writers, and through their writing help grow readers. It emphasizes reading to support writing and writing to support reading. Reading, be it through research or absorbing other journalist’s writings, and each other’s writings, supports further writing.
The Young Journalist helps students prepare for both FSA Reading and Writing Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) English Language Arts (ELA) Reading and Writing Assessments. Additionally, The Young Journalist prepares students for The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) system administered three times per year tracking out student's progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards throughout this school year. Our goal is to help students graduate from reading at grade level to proficient or master.
Bonnie Bramwell
Bonnie Bramwell is a senior at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL. She graduated from Indian River Charter High School and currently lives in Vero Beach. Her major is Strategic Communications, with a minor in literature. She is a columnist and the social media manager for The Crimson- Florida Tech’s student-run newspaper. She is also President of Lambda Pi Eta, Florida Tech’s National Communication Association’s official honor society. Once she graduates, she aspires to become a Science or English teacher.
Caroline Jakubik
Caroline graduated from Villanova University in 2024 with a B.A. in History. She is passionate about working with children, having previously interned and worked with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. Caroline has loved reading and writing from a young age and is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing.
Thomas Hardy
B. S. Government, Nasson College. Publisher, Vero Communiqué. Software systems owner (now retired). Founder, The Young Journalist. Memberships: National Press Club, Columbia Journalism Review, Society of Professional Journalists, LIONS (Local Independent News Society) and Pulitzer Center K – 12. Children’s book author, “The Exclusive Life of Reba K. Williams, a Parakeet.”
Sean Lowery
Sean Lowery joined The Young Journalist as a mentor for the 2022-2023 academic year. A graduate of the University of Kansas, he is currently a bilingual teacher with Elevate K-12. Elevate K-12 expands access to live education across the country, making sure that access to a certified teacher can be a reality for every student, no matter where they live or what their circumstance. Previously, for four years Sean taught ESL to children in China. ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers specialize in helping non-native speakers of all ages and levels learn the formal grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of spoken and written English, while giving them confidence in the common usage of the language in order to communicate clearly and comfortably with native English speakers.
Karalee Reid
Karalee Jo is a passionate reader, writer, and nature lover with a deep appreciation for caregiving. Karalee Jo has over five years of childcare experience and remains driven by her deep commitment to guide the youth towards their fullest potential. Her love for travel fuels her curiosity and compassion. Karalee Jo is a devoted advocate for peace, love, and standing up for what’s right in the world. She holds an AA in Psychology from Indian River State College.
Sandy Wright
Sandy grew up in lower Michigan and relocated to Vero Beach, Florida 2020. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies. She worked for two financial institutions spanning a 33 year banking career, holding multiple positions including her last 14 years as a Senior Vice President of Payment Operations at Comerica Bank (headquartered in Texas). During her career she volunteered for Junior Achievement teaching finances to elementary students, as well as tutoring elementary students for several years for the Big Sisters program in Farmington Hills, Michigan. I also mentored multiple colleagues during my career on communication and presentation skills to enable them to write effective correspondence and deliver presentations within the bank as well as non-bank entities. I have always had a passion for teaching and love to read. I also love playing golf, spending time at the beach, going to the movies, and travelling the world with my husband, Shawn!