Kennebunk High School junior to represent Maine at prestigious national journalism conference

KENNEBUNK, Maine - Kennebunk High School junior Quinn Wherley has been selected as Maine's only representative for the 2025 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, a prestigious five-day program taking place June 22-27 in Washington, D.C.

Wherley is one of just 51 high school juniors selected nationwide for the program — one from each U.S. state and Washington, D.C. — which is hosted by Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms. Each scholar receives a $1,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation's capital.

The conference features interactive sessions with prominent media professionals, tours of iconic newsrooms including USA TODAY headquarters, and attendance at Freedom Forum's Free Expression Awards gala. Students will participate in presentations by New York Times investigative reporter David Fahrenthold and panels on digital journalism innovation.

"I am honored to represent Maine and Kennebunk High School at this conference," Wherley said. "This opportunity to learn from industry leaders and connect with other student journalists from across the country is truly a dream come true. My favorite aspects of journalism include reporting real and relevant news for the community, as well as seeing the power of the media and its impact on society. This conference combines my passions of traveling, interacting with others, and reporting real-world events, which I am so excited to experience."

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, established in 1999, selects one scholar from each state and the District of Columbia who demonstrates a strong commitment to journalism and qualities that make them "free spirits." The program has produced more than 1,500 alumni, including award-winning journalists at ABC News, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and other major news organizations.

"We simply could not be prouder of Quinn for her selection for this distinguished program," said Kennebunk High School Principal Scott Tombleson. "This recognition reflects not only her exceptional talent and dedication, but also how seriously we at Kennebunk High School take our commitment to developing well-rounded, engaged students who will make meaningful contributions to society long into the future."

RSU 21 Superintendent Dr. Terri Cooper praised the selection as a testament to the district's academic excellence.

"Having Quinn chosen as Maine's representative in this highly selective national program demonstrates the caliber of students we're developing here in RSU 21," Cooper said. "This achievement brings great pride to our entire school community and shows how our students are equipped to be challenged at the highest levels."

The conference agenda includes visits to Capitol Hill, The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau, and sessions on First Amendment basics and countering media misconceptions. Students will also explore career paths in modern journalism and digital media innovation.

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is named after the founder of Freedom Forum and USA TODAY. The program aims to inspire and encourage high school students to pursue journalism and media careers while providing ongoing support from Free Spirit alumni networks.