Pike County Express welcomes summer help

Hello, my name is Reece Dunker, and I’m spending my summer working for everyone’s favorite local newspaper. I hail from Barry, where I grew up liking two things: writing and sports. Following graduation, I attended the University of Kansas, for four years covering a little bit of everything but mostly focusing on high school sports. While the summer in Pike County isn’t filled with too many sports, I still hope to cover some Little League, Slow Pitch Softball, and Sand Volleyball. When I’m not covering sports, you will find me at other local events, often with a camera around my neck and note pad in my hand. Be sure to stop and say hello!

As mentioned above, I grew up in Barry, living with my mom, Dorinda; dad, Kory; and my sister, Aubree. I attended Western all the way through 12th grade, well just Barry up until the consolidation with West Pike. Basketball and baseball were the two sports I grew up playing and a big reason they are still my two favorite sports to be involved with. Even before high school, I knew journalism was what I wanted to pursue in college. Unfortunately, our school didn’t offer too many journalism-related electives outside of yearbook. Which is why I like to toot my own horn as a photographer. I was also lucky enough to be Class President my entire time in high school.

After I graduated, I spent arguably the four best years of my life at the University of Kansas. When they tell you those four years of college go by quick, they aren’t lying. During my time at KU, I witnessed just about everything both good and bad. I was lucky enough to see KU win a National Championship in basketball and what looks like the turnaround of the football program. One great thing about Kansas is from day one you are tossed right into the action as a reporter. Within my first two weeks on campus, I was on the sideline helping to cover the first football game of the season. And those experiences continued through my senior year. To say graduation snuck up on me is an understatement. However, it’s put me in a great opportunity to show my learned skills to all the readers of this paper.

Thanks for reading, I’m excited to contribute to this wonderful local newspaper!