James
Libresco
Editor in Chief | Theogony
Contributor | The Alexandria Gazette Packet
Contributor | The Alexandria Times
About Me
Hi! My name is James, and I'm located just outside of Washington D.C. in Alexandria, Va. I am a senior at Alexandria City High School — which, with 4,600 students, is the largest high school in Virginia — and I love all things journalism. My work has been published in Theogony, The Alexandria Gazette Packet, the Alexandria Times, The Zebra, and a plethora of Connection Newspapers. I've reported from Mt. Zion National Park, the floor of the Virginia Senate, and everywhere in between.
In addition to journalism, I am also student body president, a varsity basketball player, and the leader of my school's chapters of Students Demand Action and Morgan's Message. In my free time, I enjoy baking cookies with my three younger siblings, playing the latest Noah Kahan on piano, and shooting hoops with friends.
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My resume is available here.
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2015: Creates home newspaper, The East Luray Times, and writes first article.
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2017: Helps create and writes columns in elementary school newspaper.
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August 2021: Enrolls in Journalism 1 at Alexandria City High School.
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August 2022: Enrolls in Journalism 2 and officially joins Theogony as a staff writer.
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September 2022: First article is published for Theogony, about homework policies. Article is covered by ALXnow.
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September 2022: First article, about statewide anti-transgender guidance, that causes first "stir" with administrators is published.
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February 2023: First article, about school installing metal detectors, goes "viral" among students.
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April 2023: Becomes Theogony co-news editor and sports editor.
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January 2024: First article, about school board special election, is published in professional newspaper, The Zebra. Article is also covered by ALXnow, Patch, and The Alexandria Times.
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February 2024: First Best of SNO award is received for article about teacher pay. First article that goes "viral" in school community. Article is covered by ALXnow, Patch, and The Alexandria Times.
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March 2024: First article, about Alexandria arena deal, that is printed in The Alexandria Gazette Packet.
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April 2024: First article, about administrative restructuring, that goes "viral" in city community. First article that is printed in The Alexandria Times. Article covered by ALXnow.
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May 2024: Becomes co-editor in chief of Theogony.
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Summer 2024: Works as production intern for We Can Do Hard Things: The Podcast.
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February 2025: Produces Theogony's first-ever podcast.
Chronology
What My Community Says
"James’s insightful reporting, willingness to hold authorities accountable, and speaking truth to power has earned him great respect and credibility as a student journalist in the community."
-Abdel Elnoubi
Member, Alexandria City Council
"As someone who has mentored dozens of young journalists, I’ve seen many hardworking reporters beginning their journey in the news business. But I’ve never worked with someone like James. His work ethic is unrivaled; his curiosity is infectious; his determination is admirable; and his reporting is extraordinary."
-Michael Lee Pope
Reporter, Virginia Public Radio
“James is the leader of a remarkably talented group of journalists at his school. They have produced the best high school journalism I’ve ever seen. ... The courage of James and his fellow students in the face of pressure, intimidation, and ultimately censorship from school administrators has been amazing. James’ own work has been so superior that we have hired him as a freelancer for the Alexandria Times.”
-Denise Dunbar
Publisher, The Alexandria Times
"James is a smart, committed student journalist who uses his writing to shed light on important issues to his school community."
-Ashley Simpson Baird
Member, Alexandria School Board
"I’ve always been impressed by James’s reporting of the crucial issues that matter to the ACHS and the wider Alexandria communities. His attention-to-detail, thorough research, and ability to distill complex information make him stand out among a sea of journalists in the area.”
-Peerawut Ruangsawasdi
Alexandria Resident & Chief of Staff, Fmr. News Editor; The Flat Hat (W&M)
"James's depth of research and unwavering commitment to publishing his and his classmates' work exemplify his commitment to accuracy and objectivity. Under James's leadership, Theogony has become as valuable a source of news for citizens of the City of Alexandria as commercial or official media. He is clearly focused on the service of creating informed community through journalism."
-Katherine Howell Dalton
Alexandria Resident & Parent
"Led by James, Theogony provide students at ACHS with a helpful insight into our school as well as the administration that runs it."
-Seamus White
Alexandria Student
“The reporting by James and Theogony, both on the happenings of ACHS and greater Alexandria have filled a gap in public understanding, allowing students, parents, and stakeholders deeper insights into their community.”
-Abigail Gerstein
Alexandria Resident & Reporter, The Harvard Crimson
Awards
Note: We switched to SNO sites in the middle of last school year — and didn't find out about Best of SNO awards until the end of the year. We also joined the JEA last school year and were not fully aware of JEA/NSPA award-submitting processes until very recently.
I have won the following journalism awards
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ACPS Budget Stirs Controversy Surrounding Teacher Pay — Best of SNO
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The Lamentable State of ACHS — Best of SNO
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As Editor in Chief, I have led Theogony to the following SNO awards:
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Site Excellence
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Excellence in Writing
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Story Page Excellence
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Audience Engagement
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Continuous Coverage
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Under my leadership, the talented Theogony team has won the following awards:
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Rozalia Finkelstein: Second Place — NSPA Cartoon of the Year
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Rozalia Finkelstein: Fifth Place — NSPA Cartoon of the Year
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Nadja Duss: Virginia Bans Phones at School — Best of SNO
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Nadja Duss: Elementary Students Exposed to Lead — Best of SNO
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Nadja Duss: Pencils, Paper and Passion — Best of SNO
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Julia Gwin: Transportation Issues Plague School Yea — Best of SNO
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Noah Sternberg: Students Celebrate Assad's Descent — Best of SNO
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Liam Brown: THE INTERVIEW: Noah Lyles, Fastest Man Alive and Hometown Hero — Best of SNO
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