New reporter joins VMS staff

HARLINGEN — The Valley Morning Star has a new member of its editorial department.

Edinburg native, Alexis Aguirre, 22, is a recent graduate from Texas State University in San Marcos and is joining the editorial department of the VMS as a reporter.

She spent the last four years working toward a journalism degree and studying various tools of storytelling.

Aguirre previously worked at a local paper in Kyle, and served as president for the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

After graduation, she moved back to the upper Valley to be closer to family and friends.

“I’m excited to start my career and begin working for the community that raised me,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre started her career in high school, working for the school newspaper and interning at UTRGV’s student-led paper formerly known as The Pan American.

“We are thrilled to have Alexis join our editorial team,” Editor Lisa Seiser said. “She has a passion for newspapers and journalism and that is the first requirement for someone to become a good reporter. She is willing to learn and already understands the importance of community journalism.”

During her time reporting, she has covered local police, city hall and student life. The truth and connecting with people are some things that drive Aguirre.

“I think journalism is important and good journalism is necessary for a community,” Aguirre said.

“Alexis understands the public’s need for information and will be a good addition to our experienced team,” Seiser said. “We hope she learns and grows with our help and becomes the best journalist she can be.”

Aguirre replaces Kayleigh Sommer, who left earlier in the month to become a teacher with the IDEA School District. Sommer had been with the VMS for more than three years prior to her departure.

In her free time, Aguirre likes to watch shows based on comic books and is currently training for a mud run.

“I started boxing pretty recently and decided to kick my workout up a notch and train for something a little more intense than a regular race,” she said.

All of that while learning the ropes in her new position.