From competing in journalism class to moving on to larger projects, Plainfield South alumni Rachel Hinton has shown tremendous work ethic in her time after high school. Hinton graduated from South in 2013 and has since dedicated five years to the Chicago Sun Times, where she was the paper’s chief political reporter. Hinton is now a part of Block Club Chicago, working with an investigative team to confront inequality within the urban area.
Despite transferring to the bustling life of the inner-city, Hinton is able to reflect on her time spent at South along with specific memories, experiences, and involvement in and out of the classroom.
“As a kid, I would always write my own short stories. Writing a book and being an author just felt too big, I figured journalism would be a good way into the world of writing,” said Hinton.
Hinton recalls having Caroline Butler as a teacher for journalism class. Outside of writing articles for the school newspaper, she and other students would take the bus to various competitions, including those held in Minooka and Eastern Illinois University.
“I think I got first or second place in review writing [at sectionals], so that was pretty cool,” said Hinton. According to Butler, Rachel was a fierce competitor who elevated the level in whatever category in which she competed.
“Rachel Hinton encapsulates what it means to be a Cougar. I am so very proud of her and still talk about her work ethic and writing style to my journalism 1 and 2 students,” Butler said.
According to Hinton, journalism allowed for her to not only cultivate writing skills, but also close friendships and a passion for staying involved with current worldly events. Her overall awareness of the people and places around her expanded as well as her appreciation for reporting.
“I really liked that I could ask people in power questions that they probably didn’t want to be asked,” said Hinton.
In addition to journalism, Hinton treasures her participation in the school band, especially a friendship with a member she still maintains contact with to this day, Tamara Murdock.
“We were friends from my freshman year onward. We were both in band. I played the flute, she played the flute, so that’s how we really got to know each other,” said Hinton.
Hinton’s character and ambition led her to convert a lifelong hobby into a story of success. Her commitment to writing shows that dreams are attainable with hard work and support from those you keep close.