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Amelia (Kris) Harrell has joined Greenville Newspapers, Inc. as a reporter intern for The Greenville Advocate, and is prepared to make their mark within the Butler County community.

Harrell is new to the area, and hails from Arlington, Georgia. Now, Harrell is ready to step into the unfamiliar and learn all they can. 

“I may not be from around here, but I am more than excited to serve this community and become a part of it in the process,” Harrell said. “I’m a bit nervous, but I’m ready to get to know everyone and grow into my role.” 

Previously, Harrell worked with the Troy Messenger, an affiliate of Greenville Newspapers’ parent corporation, Boone Newsmedia, as a part-time layout artist working alongside Greenville Newspapers, Inc. to design pages for the Advocate and also The Luverne Journal and The Lowndes Signal. Harrell has dedicated the past three years to studying multimedia journalism at Troy University, and worked closely with its student-run newspaper, The Tropolitan, as its Lifestyle Editor. 

Additionally, Harrell has completed courses that build a foundation in multimedia reporting.

The Tropolitan’s editor-in-chief Emily Mosier has worked alongside Harrell for those three years, and believes that this role is perfect for the aspiring reporter. 

“We’ve collaborated on all kinds of stories for the Tropolitan and for radio, and they have been nothing short of reliable and talented,” Mosier said. “Kris is one of those people who just has a genuine passion for journalism and storytelling.” 

Throughout their studies at Troy, Harrell has won multiple awards for their journalistic writing. 

“I plan to graduate this December, which seems to be getting closer quicker than I thought it would,” Harrell said. “I’m not sure of my plans post-graduation, but whatever I do I hope that I can continue to work alongside a close community like those in Butler County.”  

Harrell currently enjoys covering stories about theater productions, art and music. This journalistic interest came from their community back home, in the form of the community theater, Cotton Hall Theater. 

Cotton Hall Theater’s productions of Swamp Gravy are based on the stories of the people in Colquitt, Georgia and the surrounding areas.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the 5-odd years I worked with them is that everyone has a story to tell,” Harrell said. “So, you tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine.”

With this background, Harrell likes to focus on arts and culture through their writing and believes in its importance to their communities.

Outside of work, Harrell enjoys musical theater, playing video games and having fun with their friends and colleagues playing Dungeons & Dragons. After graduation, Kris hopes to cover story beats such as entertainment, high art and theater.

Regional Editor Lanell Downs Smith expressed her excitement over bringing Harrell onboard the newsroom team.

“Kris will work as a mobile asset, broadening our ability to provide coverage of the people, places and events which are important to our communities,” Smith said. “We have already sampled Kris’ work in the design of our publications. What shines about Kris is a strong work ethic and sunny personality that we are confident our readers will appreciate. Kris hit the ground running on Monday and stands ready to become acquainted with our communities by sharing their stories.”

“I really hope that Butler County and the surrounding areas will get to know me as I know I will be getting to know them,” Harrell said. “My arms and mind are open, and I cannot wait to get started.”