Kay Stephens
Altoona ,PA
Summary
Experienced newspaper reporter adept at recognizing newsworthy stories and the information needed to enhance a story. Skilled in copy editing with the ability to tighten writing for clarity. Champion for the importance of local news and stories that resonate with local readers. Also proficient in Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Law for accessing public records and public meetings.
Overview
48
48
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-time Newspaper Reporter
Altoona (Pa.) Mirror
08.2025 - Current
- Research and write local news stories for distribution through print and online resources.
- Newsroom resource for colleagues and less experienced news reporters.
Full-time Newspaper Reporter
Altoona (Pa.) Mirror
08.1977 - 08.2025
- Researched and wrote news stories developing from various beats including cops and courts, municipal government, county government, education, politics, investigative reporting and editorial writing.
- Developed and used skills in photography, copy editing and page design.
- Used interviewing techniques to garner specific information that readers would want to know.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA08-1977
Associate of Arts - Mass Communications/Journalism
Penn State Shenango
Sharon, PA05-1975
Skills
- Recognizes a newsworthy story
- Knows how to tighten writing
- Familiar with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law for accessing public records and its Sunshine Law for accessing public meetings
- Understands criminal justice proceedings
- Champion of the need for local news stories and the ability to convey that need to others
- Manages the annual professional communications and high school journalism contests for the Pennsylvania Press Club, affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women
Accomplishments
- Recipient of 100-plus awards in annual journalism contests sponsored by the Pennsylvania News Media Association, the Western Pennsylvania Press Club, the National Federation of Press Women and its affiliate, the Pennsylvania Press Club, and the Pennsylvania Women's Press Association.
- 2024 WISE Woman of Blair County award winner bestowed in recognition of longtime community service through on-the-job performance.
Timeline
Part-time Newspaper Reporter
Altoona (Pa.) Mirror
08.2025 - Current
Full-time Newspaper Reporter
Altoona (Pa.) Mirror
08.1977 - 08.2025
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Pennsylvania State University
Associate of Arts - Mass Communications/Journalism
Penn State Shenango