Dawson Community News welcomed a new reporter to its editorial staff earlier this month.

Chelsea Thomas is covering city government, education and water issues, as well as community events, activities and happenings.

Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Thomas recently moved to Dawsonville from Gwinnett County. She looks forward to learning more about the community's rich culture.

"I've come to cherish and really admire small communities for their hospitality and their openness toward newcomers and the diverse stories they have to offer," she said.

"It's going to be fun getting to know everybody here and covering such a wonderful, blooming city rich in history and potential."

A graduate of Georgia College and State University, she holds a bachelor of arts in mass communication with a concentration in print journalism and minors in English and dance.

"I really believe that truth and honesty inside journalism is vital and that the freedom of speech is one of the most precious rights to a democracy and a society," she said.

Most recently, Thomas completed an internship with the Gwinnett Daily Post, following four years on staff at The Colonnade Student Newspaper at Georgia College.

She is familiar with the area, having spent four summers as a counselor at Camp Glisson in Dahlonega.

Editor Stephanie Griffin said she encourages the community to get to know Thomas, whom she described as an ideal addition to the Community News' award-winning staff.

"Chelsea is a passionate journalist who is full of fresh ideas," Griffin said. "That, along with her eagerness to get to know the community, coupled with her education, make her a great addition to our newsroom."