Elena Renken, a junior at Central High School in St. Paul, is a 2013 graduate of ThreeSixty’s Intro to Journalism Camp. She contributed her first piece on the digital divide in schools to ThreeSixty’s “Technology Issue.” Hometown: St. Paul Favorite author: Ray Bradbury Favorite Musician(s): Adele, Diana Ross, Metric Favorite Movie(s): The Fall Favorite places/things to do in the Twin Cities: Central Library, the MIA, Taste of Thailand, Grand Avenue If you could interview anyone (living) who would it be? The British street artist Banksy What do you like about writing? I like trying to find just the right words to express something, and I like arranging my writing so it is flowing and effective. What issues are important to you? I strongly support the gay rights movement, and I am most concerned about the high poverty levels, insufficient health care system and environmental issues in the United States. What is your ideal future career? I might want to write feature pieces or reviews for a magazine or newspaper. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go to see the impressionist paintings in the Musée D’Orsay in Paris. What are your special talents? I can throw clay on the wheel and fold origami. What do you do when you’re not at school or journalism camp? I hang out with friends, listen to music, watch television, bake, read, and write. What else do you think people should know about you? I have been studying French for four years.
NYC Youth Journalism Coalition inspires ThreeSixty student leaders
ThreeSixty’s Youth Leadership Board met with the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition, bringing insights to Minnesota’s news scene.
Capitol reporting workshop elevates student leadership and tackles political drama
Against a backdrop of political division and a snowstorm, 21 high school students from across the Twin Cities came together to cover news related to Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session in February.
