ABIGAIL HUTCHINSON
WRITING, RHETORIC AND COMMUNICATION PORTFOLIO
Past. Present. Future.
PARENTS THROUGHOUT LOWCOUNTRY PUSH FOR MASK MANDATES AFTER DEATHS OF DD2 STAFF MEMBERS
Aug 2021
Last week, Dorchester District 2 announced the deaths of several staff members, all of whom passed away from COVID-19. After both BCSD and DD2 held regularly scheduled board meetings, neither choose to implement a mask mandate at that time.
A VIRAL TIKTOK CHALLENGE HAS LED TO SCHOOL PROPERTY DESTRUCTION
October, 2021
My latest article covering the local impacts of the viral social media trend on Tiktok called “devious licks,” which has encouraged middle and high school students throughout the nation to record themselves vandalizing school property.
May, 2021
When district officials in Berkeley and Dorchester 2 school districts announced the cancelation of prom throughout the Lowcountry last year, disappointed juniors and seniors were not the only ones affected. Now, a year later, the financial revenue lost for many small businesses that rely on the event, is finally beginning to pick back up as prom dates have been confirmed for the first time since 2019. (Photo by me.)
April, 2021
Last weekend, I ventured to a goat yoga class at Flowertown Charm, an urban farm hidden in the midst of a rapidly growing Summerville. Founders of the farm Jennifer and Chris Pelayo let me in on all the details about the recent birth of five new baby goats, classes throughout COVID-19 and more. (Photo by me.)
April, 2021
Last week, I enjoyed a lovely and educational time spent touring Linwood Gardens and speaking with Linda Shelbourne about her estate. These history and horticulture tours are one of several ways the Summerville Community is striving to foster more tourism in the area. (Photo by me.)
April, 2021
After nearly a year of doors being closed to most nursing homes and long term care facilities across the nation, revised guidelines for these facilities have allowed for profound changes in procedures.
March, 2021
While Summerville town council voted to extend its temporary mask ordinance on March 11, it also removed the requirement for the public to wear facial coverings inside a business unless the business itself requires it.
The temporary ordinance states that each business entity has the right to decide whether or not customers must wear one. The ordinance outlines that any indoor facility is required to enforce mask-wearing among their employees during any face-to-face interaction between other employees or the public.
March, 2021
It has been a monumental week in South Carolina as Governor McMaster announced the advancement of vaccine eligibility to Phase 1b beginning on March 8th. Dorchester District two is making preparations to vaccination more then 2,500 employees in the coming week.
March, 2021
As the effects of COVID-19 continue to sweep across the nation, local children's health experts warn of massive increases in suicide rates among youth. (Photo by me.)
February, 2021
It was around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, that the 2.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded. It was a shake-up that took place in northeast Summerville, reminding locals of earthquakes past.
A PASSION THAT PERSISTS
When I was first assigned this story to cover during my internship with the Medical University of South Carolina's Office of Public Affairs and Media Relations, I was ecstatic. As a beach lover and unremarkable surfer myself, I quickly found an ability to feel in tune with Kanellos and her much larger passion for the sport. Anne Kanellos, Junior at the College of Charleston experienced a severe surfing injury at Folly Beach, South Carolina. While Kanellos faced a year of surgeries and doctors appointments as she recovered, her love for surfing only became stronger. In the midst of such healing, she discovered what was important enough to hold onto and what to let drift away in the waves.
ANYTHING BUT INDUSTRIAL: MONTE VERESONESE DI NALGA
I had the opportunity to attend the 2018 Terra Madre Salone Del Gusto event in Turin, Italy. This event was hosted by the Slow Foods organizations which was first launched in 2004. The organization consists of a community of small-scale farmers committed to prioritizing environmental consciousness during production processes. I attended this event while studying abroad in Florence, a quick 3 hour high speed train ride from Turin. This event, a crucial part of my entire experience abroad, captivated largely what my focus was throughout the entirety of my schooling in Italy. My program was centered around Slow Food, issues of sustainability and social injustices. The experience was invaluable to me as a writer, thinker and communicator.
GREEN LABS PROGRAM RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE, SUSTAINABILITY
This was my first article for my internship with the Medical University of South Carolina's Public Affairs and Media Relations. I was fortunate enough to be assigned a story topic I was easily able to become interested in. From interviews to publication, the process of developing this story was enjoyable. A huge learning curve involved taking the language and vocabulary used by students and professors at MUSC and transforming it to make it more readable.
FALL(ING) IN LOVE WITH NEW WORKS: CHARLESTON GALLERY ASSOCIATION’S OCTOBER ARTWALK
The Charleston Gallery Association hosts a plethora of events throughout the year. However, few compare to the monthly art walks that take place the first Friday of the fall months. This was my first feature article written for CisternYard News as a Freshman. I quickly fell in love with the adrenaline rush of learning complete strangers stories through interviewing and developing a deeper understanding behind each artists works.
HOW ART THOU JAZZ WELCOMES THE “ALTO MADNESS” TO CHARLESTON
October 20, 2016
https://cisternyard.com/2016/10/20/how-art-thou-jazz-welcomes-the-alto-madness-to-charleston/
Conducting my interview with Richie Cole was one of the most memorable experiences of my writing career. Even from the phone, Cole radiated an energy for music that was undeniable. His love for jazz and the ability to perform for others was grandiose. I wrote this short article for CisternYard News as a Freshman in College and later wrote on Cole's performance after attending his concert.
BIO
How I Got Here
I’ve been a lover of words, language and writing for as long as I can remember. As a child, I wrote poetry that reflected my southern upbringing which seemed to largely be centered around dirty bare feet and rides in my family's old pickup truck. Crafting stories has always been my passion. With my cocktail of a push and pull between wonder lust and homesickness, I keep a first aid kit of words to knit together my awe for the complexity of everyday life.
Since beginning college in 2016, I've been fortunate to have my work featured in various publications. As a recent graduate and now reporter with Summerville Communications, I aim to only continue growing that portfolio. I feel confident that every person, place or inch of side walk has a story worth listening to. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to cover what is going on in the greater Summerville area, from massive industrial growth to rural farmers and communities. To find out more about my work, browse my newly updated Journalist Portfolio and get in touch if you have any questions or would like to discuss working together.
TESTIMONIALS
What They’re Saying
"In each of her stories, Abigail has been able to identify with the topics and people she writes about. I've found her to be a smart, organized, creative, resourceful and dependable young woman with an extremely bright future. She's also a self-starter who possesses good instincts and learns things quickly."
Cynthia Abole, Editor of The Catalyst
"Abigail is truly a focused and creative intern, and her passion for any subject matter is always unparalleled."
Mikie Hayes, copy editor & head writer for the The Catalyst News
MY CV
Professional Experience
January 2021 - Present
REPORTER | SUMMERVILLE COMMUNICATIONS
Develops articles to inform others about what is going on in the local community. Performs research, interviews, takes photos and works under a tight deadline. Stories are published on multiple platforms, including print, online, mobile and social media. Serves as breaking news, crime and courts staff writer.
October 2019 - April 2020
WRITING INTERN | MUSC OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & MEDIA RELATIONS
Internship responsibilities include conducting interviews, researching article topics, taking photos related to story content and developing creative approaches to each assignment. All articles were created to be published in the Catalyst, the Medical University of South Carolina’s campus and community news outlet.
September 2017-October 2018
FEATURES WRITER | CISTERNYARD NEWS
Position involved being aware of strong opportunities for story material within the area and actively seeking articles that would be significant to the College of Charleston campus. Responsibilities included going out to events, conducting interviews and developing insightful content and editing. Staff members worked both independently and as a team to create a monthly print version of Cistern Yard News and weekly online publications throughout the term.
