Recent graduations at Auburn and Alabama have provided The Selma Times-Journal a group of young journalists, who have set as their common goal to provide the readers in the Black Belt region the best possible newspaper on a daily basis.

Recently, the Times-Journal announced the hiring of two new staff writers.

Sarah Cook is a native of Bucks County, Pa. and graduated high school from Hoover High School in Hoover before attending Auburn University.

She graduated in August and joined the Times-Journal staff on Aug. 13.

“I couldn’t be happier to be here. I hope to gain more experience with the Times-Journal and also to be a positive influence to this wonderful community,” Cook said. “Even though I’d never been to Selma until a few weeks ago, I already feel at home here. I think Selma and I will share a very bright future together.”

The most recent addition to the Times-Journal’s newsroom is Alabama graduate Katie Wood.

Like Cook, Wood is a graduate of Hoover High School, and received both her undergraduate and masters degree from the University of Alabama. She joined the Times-Journal’s staff Thursday.

“I’m so excited to be in Selma. It’s hard not to smile just thinking about all the adventures and stories that are about to unfold, and that I get the chance to cover,” Wood said. “I can’t think of a better place to start my career in journalism.”

These two join Robert Hudson, Ashley Johnson and editor Tim Reeves in making up the Times-Journal’s newsroom.

“This is among the most talented group of young journalists I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” Reeves said. “They are not only talented, but they are energetic and excited about covering one of the most historic and beautiful places in Alabama.”

In addition to their responsibilities in writing stories, taking photographs and designing the daily edition of the Times-Journal, the newsroom is also charged with providing regular updates on the Times-Journal’s digital platforms such as www.selmatimesjournal.com and the newspaper’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

The group also produces Spanish Moss six times each year and additional special editions and products.