Bismarck native Kennedy DeLap is the newest member of the North Dakota Living team. Her internship started Aug. 5 and will end in December, when she graduates with a master’s degree in environmental journalism from the University of Montana.
DeLap will be immersed in all facets of publication production, including layout, editing and design. She will also write stories, conduct interviews, shoot photos and contribute to the communications efforts of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, which publishes North Dakota Living on behalf of the state’s electric cooperatives.
“We are delighted to welcome Kennedy and her talents to our team, and we’re already plotting about how we can keep her here,” says Cally Peterson, North Dakota Living editor. “Certainly, the co-op people, rural people and North Dakotans you meet in this job make it enticing. You’ll have a hard time convincing me there is a better place for a young person to start their career than in North Dakota, and with our cooperatives.”
“My time at North Dakota Living has felt like anything but work, getting to do what I love while meeting incredible people across North Dakota and learning about the issues that affect them,” DeLap says.
DeLap has a sharp eye for photography and specific interest in photojournalism.
“My favorite day at North Dakota Living so far has to be my first day. We went to McKenzie County to report on one story. Instead, we spent the entire day following leads, going to old farms and beautiful homesteads, meeting North Dakotans and hearing their stories,” DeLap says. “I knew from this day I would enjoy my time here.”
Her photos were prominently featured in the last issue of North Dakota Living, including September’s cover photo.
“Kennedy’s first day on the job was a 13-hour day in McKenzie County. We threw her into the pool, and that young woman can sure swim,” Peterson says. “She shot hundreds of photos, for shoots planned and unplanned. Seeing how she worked, asked questions and talked to people, she has what it takes. She’s on her way to being one heck of a journalist.”