Award-winning writer Alaina Schnell becomes EIC of "The Mirror News"

For the last two years, Alaina Schnell has won first place in the Francis G. Barrett Creative Writing Contest and the Larry Colter Poetry Prize.

“It was a very surreal experience,” said Schnell. “I’ve been writing since I was 13. The Barrett award was the first time I was ever recognized. It boosted my confidence, made me feel good as a writer, and made me want to keep going.”

Schnell’s winning entries included the short story called “Hunger Pangs” and the poem called “For You, Ada.” She won $300.

“It has been an amazing experience. There are so many excellent student writers at HFC, so being placed beside them is an honor,” she said. "Prior to Barrett, I'd never spoken my poetry out loud, nor connected with other writers. I, like many novice writers, had the idea that writing was a purely solitary craft. But with Barrett, it came to life and allowed me to connect with other writers as well as faculty, all of whom have been incredibly supportive."

A great place for a fresh start

A lifelong Allen Park resident, Schnell is the youngest of four. Her brother Troy is also attending HFC, studying marketing. Schnell graduated from Asher Alternative High School in Southgate.

After graduation, she enrolled at HFC. She will graduate from the College in late 2025, earning her associate degree in liberal arts with a concentration in journalism. In early 2026, she will transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to continue her education, majoring in creative writing and literature. During her time at HFC, Schnell has been a member of the Henry Ford II Honors Program and written for The Mirror News. She has been named editor-in-chief of The Mirror News for the Fall 2025 semester, succeeding Ashley Davis.

"HFC is a great place for people who need a fresh start," said Schnell. "I had a rough time in high school. But I've always loved to learn, and I knew I needed to continue. Through HFC, I've had the opportunity to work with some phenomenal professors like Peter Kim, Ruth Ann Schmitt, and Susan McGraw, who all teach their craft with enthusiasm and passion and have instilled confidence in my abilities as a student and writer. At HFC, everything came to fruition."

Asked what inspired her to be a writer, Schnell laughed.

"At 13, I struggled with adolescent angst and woes, and I needed to vent. None of my writing was particularly good. But I kept writing for hours every day, and, more importantly, reading, which has led me to appreciate the written word. Writing, like all art, illustrates the human experience, the struggles of simply existing. It shows how beautiful it is that we can have access to a life we may never experience. It helps us develop empathy or at least an understanding of someone else's story,” she explained.

A noble profession concerned with the truth

Schnell didn’t know too much about journalism at first.

"I like telling stories. Journalism, in a way, is a form of storytelling. Throughout my time at HFC, we have seen rising political tensions in America, topped with mass confusion brought on by misinformation and disinformation that plague the internet, especially social media sites. As a society, we can no longer agree about what is true, and that terrifies me. Journalism might not be as widely respected as it once was, largely because of these issues. But journalism remains one of the most noble professions because it is most concerned with the truth. I feel very strongly that it is the natural right of the general public to be aware of what goes on in their communities, especially corruption or other issues that might otherwise not be exposed. The job carries a significant civic responsibility. And working under the guidance of Dr. Kim and with excellent and hardworking student journalists at The Mirror News, I've grown to love it and do not plan on stopping."

Outgoing Editor-in-Chief Davis has every confidence in Schnell's ability to handle the challenges she'll face as editor-in-chief.

“Alaina has grown so much since she joined The Mirror News staff," said Davis. "She was extremely shy about conducting interviews, but with time and more experience, she has blossomed into a very strong writer. Her investigative journalism skills are impressive and earned her an award at the Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA) this year. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and contributed fresh ideas to every issue. I will miss her energy and enthusiasm, and I have no doubt that I am leaving the newspaper in great hands.”

"I don't know where I'd be without HFC"

This summer, Schnell will participate in the Community College Summer Fellowship Program at U-M. She is looking forward to attending U-M, and credits that to HFC.

"I don't know where I'd be without HFC," said Schnell. "If I had gone into a 4-year university right out of high school, I don't think I would have made it. HFC gave me a smooth transition to pursue higher education and adult life. The community here allowed me to connect with teachers and peers to foster my growth."

“Alaina is a dazzling force,” said Schmitt. “Her ability to take in new concepts and make them her own defines her as a poet. In class, she is a delightful person with great intellectual depth and a genuine curiosity about the world.”

Kim looks forward to working with Schnell as she takes over as editor-in-chief of The Mirror News.

“Alaina’s growth as a writer and leader has been remarkable,” said Kim. “Her talent as a writer was apparent when she won the Barrett Creative Writing Contest and Colter Poetry Prize last year and this year. To win both awards again this year validates how gifted she is. Add to that talent her leadership skills as a student journalist with The Mirror News, and it is no surprise that she will be the next editor-in-chief. It is one of the greatest joys as a teacher to work with amazing students like Alaina.”