New writer to cover crime, sports

By Sarah Jane Rosser, Staff Writer

Thursday, July 17, 2008 July 18, 2008 08:24 am

— A Stanly County native is back after four years of college, ready to put his acquired skills to use.
St. Augustine’s College communication major Dexter Hinson joined The Stanly News and Press Tuesday as a full-time employee, writing the crime beat and possibly sports in the near future.
The North Stanly High School alum became interested in journalism during his college years, however, the idea was passed to him during his high school days. Teacher Nancy Smoak worked closely with Hinson in a multimedia class where Hinson was in charge of writing entire scripts for the broadcasting portion of the class, appearing on the cable public access channel.
“She made a point to tell me I needed a degree in journalism,” Hinson said.
However, Hinson’s musical talent drove him to start off his college career as a music performance major. In high school, he was active in choir and handbells with Aza Hudson, as well as the quiz bowl team he participated in for two years and served as the co-captain his senior year.
College was no different for Hinson, with a number of musical activities to occupy his time. Choir, jazz band, marching band, pep band and concert band kept Hinson busy and concentrating on his original major. Hinson also continued his quiz bowl career by joining the College Bowl’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, serving as captain of the team.
After his first year in college, Hinson said he found that journalism was a perfect fit. Hinson interned with campus television station WAUG and spent most of his college career working in broadcast journalism.
Hinson said he’s most excited about new experiences and breaking his shyness streak.
“I’m eager to get my feet wet and I’m sure it will be a very rewarding experience,” he said.
Hinson has also had the opportunity to travel this year. He retreated to Florida for the College Bowl’s National Competition and then found his way to Egypt for a 14-day excursion as part of the honor’s program at St. Augustine’s.
Hinson’s first story is printed on the front page of the sport’s section in today’s SNAP.

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