WEST LEBANON — With the start of June, the Valley News is entering its second year of partnership with Report for America, a national nonprofit that helps match journalists early in their careers with local newsrooms.
For the past year, general assignment photographer Alex Driehaus and climate and environment reporter Claire Potter have worked full time covering Upper Valley communities.
Later this month, Frances Mize will join the Valley News to continue its climate-focused reporting.
“Claire Potter did a wonderful job of establishing devoted Upper Valley environmental coverage, which was embraced by readers,” editor Matt Clary said. “We look forward to Frances Mize joining our newsroom and continuing this important work.”
Mize graduates this spring from Dartmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in anthropology.
She previously has written about clean water and sustainable energy issues for The Working Waterfront, which is published by the Island Institute in Rockland, Maine.
Mize, who was born and raised in Atlanta, has been a general assignment reporting intern and correspondent for the Valley News. Her most recent story was about Black student admissions at Dartmouth.
Potter departed at the end of May to pursue freelance writing opportunities in Mexico, where she will continue to report on climate change and the environment.
Driehaus will continue in her work at the Valley News documenting life in the Upper Valley.
“I’m very happy Alex will be with us for a second year,” said Geoff Hansen, Valley News photo editor. “Alex is a natural fit on the photo staff, not only due to her gifts as a photographer and journalist but also because she fits in well in the newsroom and is always willing to help.”
Report for America collaborates with newsrooms to jointly fund RFA positions through philanthropy.
“I am delighted that our partnership with Report for America is entering a second year,” Valley News publisher Dan McClory said. “We are fortunate that Alex has agreed to a second year, and Frances will be joining the staff (again) to cover climate change in the Upper Valley.”
Later this year, the Valley News will launch a formal fundraising campaign to cover its share of salaries and benefits for the positions. In the meantime, readers interested in donating can do so by contacting Dan McClory at dmcclory@vnews.com or at 603-727-3203.