Steve Rhodes is a veteran television photojournalist with nearly 35 years in visual storytelling, including 29 at WTHR in Indianapolis. Drawn to TV news through a college internship, he has since covered every Olympic Games since 2000, producing cultural features from host nations worldwide. A nine‑time Indiana Photographer of the Year and multi‑Emmy and Murrow Award winner, Steve approaches every assignment with the same enthusiasm that first drew him to the field — always looking for the authentic human moments that give each story its heart.

Carmella Boykin is the host and producer of The Washington Post Universe where she is redefining how audiences experience the news. She writes, shoots and edits videos for TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram that often involve creating clones of herself (Carmellas) to explain news topics. Since joining The Post in 2021, she has won five Webby Awards. Previously, she worked as a local TV reporter in Rochester, NY, where she started her TikTok account. Carmella holds a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University.

Jeremiah Johnson has spent a lifetime with a microphone in hand and Indiana sports in his blood. As TV host and sideline reporter of the Indiana Pacers on Bally Sports Indiana, he brings a blend of insight and Hoosier authenticity to every broadcast. Before joining the Pacers, Jeremiah was a sports reporter with WXIN‑TV and WTWO‑TV, covering everything from Final Fours to Super Bowls to the playoff runs that electrified the state. A proud Ball State Cardinal and Peru native, he is also co‑host of The Sideline Guys Podcast with Pat Boylan.

Grace Hollars is a Muncie, Indiana native and 2019 Ball State University graduate whose boundless energy fuels her work as a Visual Journalist and Sports Specialist for The Indianapolis Star in the USA Today Network. Passionate, quirky, and unapologetically edgy, she brings Wonder Woman–level spark to every assignment. She has photographed multiple Olympic Games, the Indianapolis 500, the CFP National Championship, and numerous local and national competitions. A two-time INPA Sports Photographer of the Year, Grace thrives at capturing the emotion and competitive spirit of the game.

MITCH EDEN, MJE, is an education and media consultant who helps high school advisers and students strengthen their journalism programs. He retired after 27 years as an adviser, most recently at Kirkwood High School (MO), where he led The Kirkwood Call newsmagazine/website and the Pioneer yearbook. Eden is a former Dow Jones News Fund National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year. His honors include Youth Journalism International's Journalism Educator of the Year, the NSPA Pioneer Award, JEA's Medal of Merit, and SPJ's Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award.

Rachel is the Director of Brand Strategy at the Indianapolis Zoo, where she leads the teams behind the Zoo’s marketing, creative and brand voice. Her job is turning animal stories and conservation work into campaigns, events and experiences that get guests excited about wildlife. Before the Zoo, Rachel worked in sports, entertainment and advertising—including roles with Ultimate Fighting Championship, MGM Resorts International and a creative advertising agency. She’s a 2005 graduate of Ball State University.

Tom Gayda is the Polytechnic Department chair and Director of Student Media at North Central High School where he advises the Northerner yearbook. Gayda is the 2018 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year and Youth Journalism International 2024 Journalism Educator of the Year. He is the author of "Scholastic Journalism Leadership" and adjunct instructor in Ball State's School of Journalism and Strategic Communication where he teaches dual credit and introductory journalism courses.

Leigh-Ann Richardville, vice president of marketing and communications at Hirons, and Hanna Reth, director of digital strategy, lead communications, marketing and digital initiatives for Hirons, a full-service marketing communications firm headquartered in Indianapolis. A 2025 SJSC Young Alumna Award recipient, Leigh-Ann leads brand strategy and partnerships for Hirons, while Hanna guides data-driven digital marketing and integrated campaigns for clients across several industries. Both are graduates of Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information and Media.