Damascus Senior Named Maryland Student Journalist of the Year
Mia Dove with MDCSPA board member Megan Fromm. Photo Credit: John Mattingly
Mia Dove, a senior at Damascus High School, has been named the 2026 Maryland Student Journalist of the Year, an honor awarded by the Maryland-D.C. Scholastic Press Association to recognize the state’s top high school journalist.
Selected by a panel of journalism educators, the annual award highlights excellence in reporting, writing and leadership. Winners are chosen through a competitive portfolio process that includes published work, essays and recommendations. Dove will now advance to the national competition, with the opportunity to earn additional scholarship funding.
As editor-in-chief of The Buzz, Damascus High School’s student-run news site, Dove spent the past three years shaping the publication’s voice while mentoring younger writers and expanding its reach. Her journalism teacher Caitlin Patrick describes Dove as a student who leads with both initiative and heart.
“She’s one of those students you can fully trust,” Patrick said. “She works well with everyone and truly puts her whole heart and soul into every project. That’s what makes her such a strong editor.”
Dove’s path to journalism wasn’t planned, it was discovered. A self-described lover of reading and writing, she joined The Buzz as a sophomore, initially working behind the scenes. She quickly found a passion for storytelling, particularly the freedom to explore topics she cares about.
“I really loved being able to write about something I was passionate about without restrictions,” Dove said. “And I love the research, diving deep into a topic and connecting with people who care about it, too.”
Her work spans a wide range of topics, though she has a particular passion for sports journalism. A dedicated fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Dove enjoys covering everything from game analysis to player updates. One of her favorite stories, however, focused closer to home: a feature on the school’s athletic trainer, highlighting his impact on the community.
Beyond her writing, Dove is known among her peers for her talent and enthusiasm.
“Mia’s articles are always interesting and really well written,” said classmate Isabel Strobel. “I get excited to edit them because I know they’re going to be good.”
Others point to her ability to bring out strong stories in the people she interviews. “When Mia is passionate about something, she really goes into detail,” said sophomore Sophia Simone. “She always gives great insight that makes articles even better.”
Dove also serves as the marketing manager and oversees The Buzz’s social media presence. She has built friendships and connections, and hopes to leave behind a broader message about journalism itself.
“Being a journalist isn’t just about writing,” Dove said. “It’s about being social, talking to people, collaborating and having fun with it.”
Outside the newsroom, Dove stays active as a softball player and varsity girls basketball manager. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and following her favorite teams.
This fall, she plans to attend a four-year university to study journalism and communications, with the goal of pursuing a career in sports journalism. Her dream role? Reporting from the field at professional sporting events, interviewing athletes and telling stories in real time.
For now, Dove is focused on making the most of her final months at Damascus and encouraging others to discover student journalism.
“There’s something on The Buzz for everyone,” she said. “You just have to check it out.”Explore Dove’s work and other student stories at dhsthebuzz.org. And be sure to check out the article that classmate Sophia Simone wrote about her.