William “Will” Tallackson, a senior at La Porte High School, has been admitted to the Ernie Pyle Scholars at Indiana University Bloomington’s Media School. As one of 20 selected scholars, Tallackson will take a spring break trip to New York in his sophomore year and meet with people working in the journalism industry, including those from CBS and “The New York Times.” He may also enjoy a summer in London working at a British media news organization.
This scholarship opportunity is a continuation of the journalistic career path that Tallackson has ventured on. A Class of 1992 Indiana University Bloomington graduate, his father is the editor of The Beacher Weekly Newspaper in Michigan City and has worked in journalism for most of Tallackson's life. Additionally, Tallackson has been involved in media throughout high school; most recently, he has worked as the editor for the Slicer Newsroom, his school’s newspaper. This role is enjoyable for Tallackson, as he gets to work with and develop other writers.
“I love being able to empower them,” Tallackson said. “They are there for their talent, and they're a really great group of kids.”
Tallackson credits his newspaper teacher, Erin Parker, for the support they have provided him with.
“They have helped me every step of the way,” Tallackson said. “They encourage me and introduce me to different opportunities I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”
One of those opportunities is the Student Voices program with GreatNews.Life. As a high school student writer, Tallackson gains journalism experience by writing for their community through GreatNews.Life.
While journalism has been the star of Tallackson’s show for some time now, he had quite a list of prospective careers as an adolescent.
“I jumped from various careers: history, teaching, psychology, screenwriting,” Tallackson said. “Ultimately, I leaned into journalism.”
The pursuit of honesty and the art of reporting attracted Tallakson to journalism. He appreciates the essential role that journalists play in everyday life.
“People need a source of truth to make sense of reality,” Tallackson said. “They need access to impartial and factual reporting.”
Tallackson is aiming high in this career field. With his experience and ability to tackle opportunities as they come, Tallackson is on the right path.
“Hopefully one day I’ll work for ‘The Washington Post,’ ‘The New York Times,’ or even be a White House press correspondent,” Tallackson said.
Between many AP classes, being a member of the National Honor Society, and serving on the academic Super Bowl team, Tallackson stays busy throughout the school year. This experience with rigorous academics and constantly working toward his goals leaves Tallackson with a piece of advice for anyone else reaching for the stars.
“If you are thinking of pursuing journalism, just do it,” Tallackson said. “You should never let anyone tell you that your dreams are too much or that they're unachievable.”
In his free time, Tallackson enjoys watching movies. Specifically, when the Oscars season comes around, he likes to watch everything that has been nominated. Going on hikes with family members is also a fun activity for Tallackson. He enjoys leisurely walks in nature, particularly to combat writer's block, and spending time playing with his 8-year-old Miniature Daschund, Sadie.
