Michelle Balmeo selected as faculty for 2011 Washington Journalism and Media Conference

FAIRFAX, VA (07/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Michelle Balmeo has been selected as one of six award-winning high school journalism advisers from around the country to be a faculty member for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) to be held at George Mason University July 10-15, 2011. With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, The Washington Journalism and Media conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week-long program, held at George Mason University's state-of-the-art campus, will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry. For more information about the conference, visit our website at http://wjmc.gmu.edu.

Michelle Balmeo teaches American Studies, Journalism, and Writing for Publication at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, Calif. She is the adviser of El Estoque, a monthly print newspaper and daily-updated website. Balmeo was recently named a 2011 Rising Star by the Journalism Education Association, and she was previously named 2010 California Journalism Educator of the Year by the California Journalism Education Coalition. She has served for four years on the board of JEA Northern California, where she will serve as president next year.

In 2007, she was chosen by her colleagues as MVHS Teacher of the Year, then was honored again as Fremont Union High School District Teacher of the Year in 2011. During her tenure as adviser, her students' publications have won several NSPA Pacemakers and CSPA Crown awards for both their print and online publications. Though she enjoys teaching all aspects of journalism, she is particularly interested in multimedia storytelling and literary journalism. This will be Ms. Balmeo's first year as a faculty adviser at WJMC.

About George Mason University

Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University-- Where Innovation Is Tradition.

About the 2011 Washington Journalism and Media Conference

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the changing face of media in the 21st century. The Advisory Board, Chaired by Newseum senior vice president, Susan Bennett, includes CEO's of media, distinguished journalists and renowned authors and university faculty. For more information visit us online at wjmc.gmu.edu.

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference | 4400 University Drive | MSN 3A4 | Fairfax, VA 22030