Madison Aboud has been in the Mountain Echo for four years, and she shares her experiences.

Q: Why did you decide to only do Mountain Echo?

A: “I did the AAJHS Livewire newspaper my eighth grade year and fell in love with reporting. I knew then that I wanted to continue through high school, and was able to join staff my freshmen year. I never looked back.” 

Q: What was your favorite story that you’ve written?

A: “I’ve loved writing. I would say my favorites would be: “The Pringle Effect”, “The Definition of Success”, “Parting Ways”, “Together Again”, and so many more.” 

Q: What’s your favorite experience as part of the Mountain Echo Staff?

A: “When you’ve dedicated four years to something, in my case, publication, there tends to be many favorite experiences that come with it. I could say interviewing an NFL player, or interviewing the mayor, or winning awards, or something else that makes me sound accomplished, but at the end of the day, it is the connections I’ve made with the staff and watching them grow into accomplished people and reporters.”

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “I play flute and piccolo.”

Q: What made you choose it?

A: “I was originally going to play the violin, but something about the flute drew me in. In fourth grade I made the choice to play it and have loved it ever since.”

Q: What do you plan to do after High School?

A: “I will be attending Penn State Altoona. I will be majoring in English and minoring in Communications.”

Q: If you could go back, would you want to do yearbook instead? Or both?

A: “If I could go back, I wouldn’t change my choices in regards to which staff I would be on. It was always going to be Mountain Echo. However, I would go back and try to create stronger bonds and connections with those that came before me and have maybe paid a bit closer attention when it came to photography.”

Q: Who was your favorite person to interview?

A: “There have been so many. I recently interviewed Mayor Pacifco and our Austrian exchange student Pirmin. That was a fun one. I’ve also interviewed Alumni band returners who had some wonderful stories from their time in band, as well as Kevin Givens, the NFL football player. But some of my favorites are just sitting down with students and hearing their stories; you never know what incredible tale someone has to tell.” 

Q: How nervous are you when interviewing someone like a principal or superintendent?

A: “My first time doing so, I was pretty nervous. Now, I’ve grown used to doing so. I always make sure to dress in something respectable, show them respect, work around their schedules and come prepared for the interviews. I also remind myself that they are just people too, and aren’t expecting perfection from me.”