Before we begin…
I’m Haylie…
Every journalist tries to capture a story in a way that’s never been heard before. Well, here’s my go at it.
There are a lot of ‘What ifs’ I ask myself from time to time. What if I never met a certain person? What if I had done this a certain way? What if I was there instead of here? They’re my own “Sophie’s Choice”, impossible to figure out and always lacking a definitive answer.
I have only a few ‘What ifs’ in my life I know for certain how to answer. ‘What if I had never found journalism?’ is at the top of the list, as I can answer that one with ease. If I had never found journalism, I would have never found an outlet to express myself. I would have never seen the world in the way I do now. I would have never found that thing that makes the future seem less uncertain.
My portfolio will showcase the work completed over the past few years, but I will never be able to capture the major impact journalism has had on my life in every way possible. I have grown to value my voice and understand how communication truly makes the world go around. It has brought a girl who used to hide her face in photos and shut out the world out of her shell.
The journalism world has done so much for me, and I hope one day to return the favor. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have been given thus far to share my passion with as many people as I can. I believe it is shown in this portfolio.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my website. Enjoy!
Leader…Entrepreneur…Elite…
“ In my over 30 years in the television business, I haven’t seen many like Bridgeland High School senior Haylie Stum. Haylie has set a new standard for student reporting. She shoots her own game video, posts highlights to social media, does interviews and reports – giving a firsthand account of what’s going on at the game she is covering and doing it all by herself. It’s very difficult to be a one-person crew, but she does it with grace and ease. I admire her work ethic. She is a grinder who welcomes the challenges of hard work. I have watched her over the last two years and am amazed she is so driven and focused at her age with all that goes on with being a high school student, athlete, editor at Bridgeland Media, and school leader. I know Haylie will succeed in anything she decides to pursue. I hope it’s TV, because we need more good, hard-working, knowledgeable people in this business like Haylie Stum.”
— Joe Gleason, ABC13 Houston
“ In a world where high school often fosters students to be a jack of all trades and yet a master of none, Haylie stands apart. She has an inquisitive mind and a determined spirit. Haylie sincerely could pursue anything she wanted and do well…She is a purpose-driven learner, a pursuer of knowledge, and an entrepreneur. If she doesn't see a path forward, she's the kind of student who will build a bridge and create her own opportunity. More important than her independence though is her desire to seek mentors, collaborate with others, and in general work for the good of the team-- whether that's in softball, journalism, or with her classmates. Haylie adds immeasurable value to whatever group she is in. ”
— Megan Puckett, Haylie’s Former Teacher
“ When I entered this competition two years ago, I thought I had worked harder than anyone to show off my work and my portfolio was completely well-rounded. In retrospect, it has nothing on that of Haylie Stum’s. When you think of a fully complete journalist, Haylie’s name has to be the first that comes to mind. Her exemplary professionalism and dedication to her craft is miles ahead of anyone her age, and even ahead of professionals in the field already. ”
— Tommy Yarrish, 2021 TAJE Journalist of the Year Runner-Up
“ Although I have not had the privilege to coach Haylie in a sport, I’ve been able to create a great relationship with her. I’ve served as a mentor and have seen her show her leadership qualities through our Student-Athlete Leadership Team…she does a great job in any role she takes over. From journalism to softball and academics, Haylie is a reliable individual who will get the job done. Some of the qualities I see in Haylie include having respect from her teammates and classmates. Additionally, her work ethic and dedication to her craft are admirable. Haylie is not afraid of leading and taking risks. The way she goes about journalism is very special to witness, she’s definitely a natural at it. The way she leads those around her, makes them grow and become better individuals all around…she embodies the characteristics a leader should have. ”
— Liz Oyervides, Bridgeland’s Student-Athlete Leadership Team Leader
“ My style of coaching is about finding elite-level athletes, but even more importantly finding athletes who embody my team's culture. I want elite level athletes who exemplify being positive, selfless, and team-first athletes. Haylie not only checks all those boxes I look for, but she accomplished all that while chasing her dream to be an elite-level journalist. Haylie is a pitcher, so practice is especially imperative to being elite at this position. She does this while still signing up for any and all high school games so she can do sideline reporting, writing incredible stories, running her own show, preparing for interviews, learning the stats of coaches and players alike, advocating for the mental health of student athletes, and pushing for the successes of females in the world of sports and journalism. I have coached hundreds of girls over the years-Haylie Stum is elite. Elite as an athlete, elite as a person, elite as a journalist, elite as a daughter, elite as a leader…She is a special athlete and a special person and I am a better coach and person because our paths crossed. ”
—Tom Damiani, Head Coach of Haylie’s Travel Softball Team