Multimedia editor Madison Sharp has been named Slater of the Month for her dedication to visual storytelling at The Slate and consistent contributions to the paper’s photography coverage. Sharp has photographed a wide range of campus events, from theatrical productions to campus events, helping bring the paper’s articles to life each week.
Sharp is a communication, journalism and media major with a concentration in visual media and a minor in English who expects to graduate in May 2028. Her path to The Slate began before she even enrolled at Shippensburg University.
“When I first toured The Slate office with Dr. Drager, I knew this was the place for me,” Sharp said. “I knew I wanted to join The Slate before I even committed to college.”
She said she joined the paper to build her skills in photojournalism and to grow both as a student and as a person. When she arrived at her first meeting, she said she quickly discovered a passion that went beyond just taking pictures.
“Ever since I came to my first meeting, I completely fell in love with the entire process that goes into making a paper,” she said.
Sharp described herself as someone who came in knowing only photography, without a background in high school newspaper work. Through her time at The Slate, she has had the chance to cover events and topics she would never have encountered otherwise.
Among her favorite written pieces are her coverage of Shippensburg’s first annual Winterfest in 2025 and her reporting on SUAG’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” last semester. On the photography side, she said her most memorable work has come from capturing live performances, including SUAG productions, the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Wizard of Oz on Ice” and the Blue Man Group.
“I love photographing theater and concert performances,” Sharp said.
After graduation, Sharp said her plans are still taking shape, but she is considering graduate school. She said she hopes to study outside of Pennsylvania, as she has lived in the state her entire life and wants the experience of being somewhere new. If graduate school does not immediately follow her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career in photojournalism or communications and return for her master’s degree later.
When it comes to personal influences, Sharp did not hesitate.
“My biggest role model in my life is definitely my mom,” she said. “She is the strongest person I know.”
Sharp said her mother pushes her to be her best self, supports her through everything and manages the demands of motherhood while working hard for their family. She said she strives to carry even a part of her mother’s energy into her own life.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have her as someone I can always talk to,” Sharp said.
The Slate staff congratulates Sharp on this recognition and looks forward to her continued work behind the lens.
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