The Selma Times-Journal welcomed recent Auburn-Montgomery graduate Desiree Taylor to the staff Thursday.

Taylor, a graduate of Selma High School, is part of the Times-Journal’s news staff but the former intern is no stranger to the Times-Journal.

“I am excited about the opportunity to come back to the Times-Journal,” Taylor said. “During my summer internship, the staff there embraced me with open arms and took me under their wings. The editor and publisher saw my potential and worked with me, and for that I am grateful. It is because of them that I am a better writer and reporter.”

Taylor will be a general assignment reporter, covering news and events throughout the Black Belt region, as well as helping produce daily videos for www.selmatimesjournal.com.

“We are thrilled to have Desiree come on board,” Times-Journal editor Tim Reeves said. “Her abilities as a journalist are one thing, but her deep connection and passion for Selma, Dallas County and the Black Belt are very visible.”

The 2003 Selma High School graduate is the daughter of John Taylor-Arthur and Gwendolyn Taylor of Selma and is the oldest of six girls.

“I’ve always loved talking and connecting with people, but I didn’t always like to write,” Taylor said. “Ironically, I would write short stories and poems in elementary school and even won prizes for my work, but overtime, my interests changed and my desire for the art left. The Selma Times-Journal has allowed me develop as a writer and I began to enjoy writing again.”

To contact Taylor, you can e-mail her at desiree.taylor@selmatimesjournal.com or call her direct line at (334) 410-1744.