Lorelei Roberts, a senior Digital Journalism major, recently had an article published in the Watauga Democrat, Boone’s local weekly newspaper. The article, titled “Boone PD's social worker connecting law enforcement and community,” was published on Oct. 22, 2025. This is Roberts’ second time reporting about this particular topic; in the fall of 2024, The Appalachian assigned Roberts to cover the hiring of Boone Police Department’s first social worker and what the community could expect out of the new role. Everyone Roberts spoke to during their reporting in 2024 was very excited about the new social worker position, which Roberts said made them inclined to keep up with the progress the position would bring to the town of Boone. Their article published in the Watauga Democrat serves as an update to the community, outlining the positive outcomes of the program and the steps it is taking to expand its reach.
While this is Roberts’ first time being published in the Watauga Democrat, they are not new to reporting. When Roberts was in high school, they wrote for The Duplin Times as an intern during the pandemic. As an App State student, Roberts has served as a reporter for The Appalachian, the university’s student-run news publication. Roberts said that both of these experiences helped them learn how to adapt to quick changes in the field and how to meet tight deadlines. With fall commencement just around the corner, we asked Roberts what’s next for them as they pursue a career as a news reporter. “I’m going to keep writing,” Roberts said. “I am working with High Country Mutual Aid to spread awareness about their resources and how to access them easily. It is so important, especially right now, to form community. Knowing about your community’s mutual aid group and their resources is a part of that.”
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About The Appalachian
The Appalachian has been Appalachian State University’s independent student-run news publication since 1934. We publish a print publication monthly, and send out twice weekly email newsletters during the regular academic year. We are the recipient of the ACP Pacemaker Award, the CMA Pinnacle Award and the NC College Media Association Best of Show award. Learn more at https://theappalachianonline.com/
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and a minor in Communication Studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Lorelei Roberts
