The Upstart is a publication created by and for Michigan Interscholastic Press Association student journalists’ to share their work. We’re covering the 2025 summer workshop at Michigan State University. As it happens. With gusto.
Our staff blends professional, college and high school journalists working side-by-side all week. We’ll put everything on this snazzy website custom built by Aaron Olson that uses WordPress 3.0 and HTML 5. We’ll use Twitter, Instagram and Facebook too. (#MIPA2025 is the hashtag to follow.)
That’s the easy part. Journalism isn’t about tools. It’s about telling stories. And compelling storytelling – whatever form it takes – is what we’re striving for. We’ll use the site to showcase the Sparty-winning stories, photos, designs and videos created at camp.
After that? We want Michigan’s student journalists to submit their storytelling to the site all year. Use our resources page to find know-how and inspiration. (Advisers, this goes for you too. Got a presentation, handout or webinar you’re willing to share? Submit it.)
Questions? Email us at theupstart@mipamsu.org, or at any of our personal emails.
Staff
Our staff this year consists of 12 graduated seniors. We hail from Sterling Heights, Midland, Dearborn Heights, Ann Arbor, Portage, Battle Creek, East Lansing, Dearborn, Canton, and Kalamazoo. The staff is advised by Kim Margolis, an adviser of the State News here at Michigan State University.
Antonio Cholagh
antoniocholagh@mipamsu.org
I joined the Upstart team because MIPA has been a huge part of my journalism journey, from my first yearbook class to now. After leading my own publication and being part of the MIPA Upstart Fellows, I saw how impactful storytelling at camp could be. Being on Upstart lets me give back to the community that helped shape me, while working alongside other passionate journalists to document the moments that make MIPA unforgettable.
Alysza Eddy
alyszaeddy@mipamsu.org
At the end of MIPA Camp last Summer, I knew I wanted to come back. I love the idea of being able to do non-stop journalism work, never having to put down a camera or a laptop. I wanted to expand my journalistic and video production skills for my professional and collegiate career. It was a great opportunity to get professional journalism experience at the university I’m attending!
Taylor Gabrielson
taylorgabrielson@mipamsu.org
I joined the Upstart because I wanted to expand my experience in journalism and media. I attended MIPA 1 year as a camper and thoroughly enjoyed my time! When I received an email about Upstart applications, I immediately thought of applying to continue a great journalistic experience.
Rowan Greiner
rowangreiner@mipamsu.org
I joined the Upstart team because of my experiences from coming to the camp last year. I had a great time and there were some excellent and valuable learning experiences and I was able to make many new friends along the way. I wanted to return to camp in order to relive these moments and expand my journalism experiences. Also, Sara-Beth Badalamente encouraged me to fill out an application and to return to camp.
Abigail Hosler
abigailhosler@mipamsu.org
I joined the Upstart team because for the past three years MIPA Camp has felt like a second home to me. It’s a place where you can really work on what you love with people who are pros. Being part of Upstart allows me to show what MIPA means to the public and captures memories for campers.
Jordan Kirkbride
jordankirkbride@mipamsu.org
I joined the Upstart this year mainly because I was influenced by my staff during this last school year. I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into when I first arrived at MIPA, as I’ve never attended the camp before, but now that I’m here I’m glad I chose to come. I’ve made friends that I would have never made otherwise, I’ve gotten to get a taste of what college is like in some capacity, and I’ve had the opportunity to be creative in an environment where I feel supported and useful as a part of a team.
Reena Natla
reenanatla@mipamsu.org
I joined Upstart because I really enjoyed my time at MIPA last year and wanted to come back. It’s a fun way to cover everything happening at camp and meet new people. I also am able to practice my writing skills and be part of a real newsroom.
Alayna Nixon
alaynanixon@mipamsu.org
Joining MIPA has led to me to discover a completely different version of myself I never would’ve uncovered had I not been given the opportunity from my adviser my sophomore year. After graduating high school, I decided to come back to be a member of the Upstart team. This experience has given me the privilege of traveling to new places, making new friends, and learning so much about the art of journalism. The Upstart team is my way of giving back to the MIPA community, which has given me the toolbox to create the best version of myself.
Natalie Rubel
natalierubel@mipamsu.org
I chose to join the MIPA Upstart team because this workshop has played such an important role in my high school journey. I’ve attended every summer since before my sophomore year, and each time, I’ve learned something new—not just about journalism, but about myself. MIPA became more than just a camp; it became a community that shaped who I am. Being part of Upstart gave me the chance to give back to that community and hopefully help other students discover the same passion for journalism that I found here.
Ashe Watson
ashewatson@mipamsu.org
I hadn’t thought about joining Upstart until the very last minute when I was sent an email asking for a few more people. This is my second year at MIPA and knowing the opportunity to get even more experience and learn what the college journalism experience is like inspired me to join the Upstart team.
Natalie Yates
natalieyates@mipamsu.org
Last year was my first year at MIPA and I immediately wished I had discovered it sooner. Upstart for me was an opportunity to come back to camp and get more hands-on journalism experience and expand my portfolio.
Kaylee Zirkelbach
kayleezirkelbach@mipamsu.org
I joined the Upstart because last year as a student I got to see all the fun things this team got to do. They were capturing my experience as a student and I knew I wanted some part in it. Being an upstart allows me to use the tools and knowledge I know to put into this week. While doing so I get to help others capture their summer experiences and have fun while doing so!
Kim Margolis
Media Specialist/Coach, The Upstart
kimmargolis@mipamsu.org
Kim Margolis held roles in print and broadcast newsrooms for more than three decades before coming to Michigan State University. She’s been an editor, copy editor, paginator, reporter and digital specialist in Connecticut, Florida and Ohio. Now she is the student adviser at The State News – a place where she worked as an MSU undergrad. She also is an instructor in the MSU School of Journalism.
Code of Ethics
A journalists’ responsibility is to seek the truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable. We’ll strive to abide by the guidelines set forth by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics.
Usage policies
Student-run publications may use content produced by The Upstart journalists at no cost if they retain the journalists’ bylines. If you’re using our content online, we’d appreciate some link love (let folks know they can find us at theupstart.mipamsu.org).
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.