Seaside Social News sends off its very first student intern, Lindsey Magee, who graduates this year as Summa Cum Laude and earns this year’s Excellence in IMC Award from the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media.

     “As a summer intern at Seaside Social News, I’ve had a phenomenal experience that has opened my eyes to the world of not only journalism and reporting, but public relations as well,” says Lindsey. “Aside from the honor of working for and getting to know the founder, Mrs. Amanda, I have thoroughly enjoyed such an opportunity this summer.”
Lindsey joined the Seaside Social News team in the summer of 2023 after discovering the online publication through a special alumni news article circulating the college’s campus in Oxford, Miss.
     “From making connections with the friendly people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to honing my writing skills, I think my favorite aspect of the work was event coverage,” says Lindsey. “More specifically, I loved attending the assigned events and just talking to people, having the chance to hear their story and portray it in a way that makes them proud.
     “However, I don’t even know if I could call this ‘work,’ because I enjoyed it that much! I’ve learned how to properly interview people, pay attention to detail in reporting information accurately, and the importance of getting the facts right for the sake of honest journalism. The short time I had to be involved in this publication has impacted me in several ways, but I know that I will use what I’ve learned this year at school. I feel stronger as a writer, more qualified as a reporter, and eager to grow as a journalist in the future.”

      Seaside Social News publisher Amanda Compton-Ortiz cited Lindsey’s remarkable enthusiasm and diligence in every task she was given while completing her internship.
     “Lindsey graciously accepted every assignment she was given and exhibited excellence in every project she executed, including every event she covered, every photograph she took, and every story she wrote,” Amanda said. “Lindsey was eager to learn about exercising her journalistic skills in the real world and was passionate about making connections during every encounter she had with individuals in the community.
     “It truly felt like her fortitude in seeking out our publication as an internship option was fate and an inevitable fortune for our entire team.”
     As an Ole Miss graduate herself, an award-winning journalist, and a proud member of the Ole Miss Alumni Association today, Amanda said she couldn’t ignore the amazing talent Lindsey would bring to the publication when choosing her for the job among several other potential candidates.
     “Lindsey reached out to me to inquire about an internship with Seaside, and I hired her without hesitation, not only based on her openness to learn more about a career in journalism, but for her professional mannerisms, how educated she was already in her field of study, and her determination to discover a vast world of opportunities where her education could be applied and utilized,” Amanda said. “Her spirited approach and independence is an example of the amazing products that an Ole Miss education is still turning out for our future workforce and for our country.”
     Lindsey’s favorite headline story published inside Seaside Social News included her coverage for the City of Long Beach’s first annal Fourth of July Jubilee and Farmer’s Market. She was also delighted to have had the opportunity to spotlight her alma mater’s Ole Miss Club of the Gulf Coast in an article that is planned for publication in a special upcoming spotlights edition.

     A native of Necaise, Miss., Lindsey grew up with cows for neighbors. After graduating from Hancock High School, Lindsey attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, receiving an associate degree in business marketing and management. A recent graduate at the University of Mississippi, Lindsey has earned a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing communications. Lindsey graduated from Ole Miss in May at the top of her class after accepting the honorable Excellence in IMC Award-one of only five awarded to the University’s integrated marketing communications students this year. She was recognized during a ceremony held in April at the Inn at Ole Miss, where she was among recipients of this year’s prestigious Silver Em, the University’s highest award in journalism dating back to 1958 to recognize Mississippians with notable pursuits and careers as journalists including 2020 Silver Em recipient, the legendary Shepard Smith, a North Mississippi native who attended Ole Miss and went on to spend more than 20 years anchoring Fox News.
    Lindsey was proud to accept her award during such an historic year as the University bestows the Silver Em upon its very first news organization, Mississippi Today.

According to the university’s Chris Sparks, instructional associate professor, integrated marketing communications, Lindsey excels academically and was an exceptional member of the school’s Ad Club, a student extension of the professional American Advertising Federation (AAF) organizations across the country. Lindsey took on a leadership role within the club and spearheaded student activity with the Memphis AAF chapter.
     “I would characterize Lindsey as bright, responsible, and a pleasure to work with,” Sparks said. “She is a problem solver. She is often unassuming, but she is not afraid to assume responsibility and accomplishes initiatives with excellence!
     “I can always count on her to do things ‘right,’ not just complete the project or task. And she does it in a way that is both collaborative and inspiring. I can’t say enough good things about Lindsey. She isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight, but she is very deserving of it. She was very deserving of an Excellence in IMC Award.
     “She is…a future superstar.”

Lindsey is currently in pursuit of working for a reputable marketing agency, traveling the world, or coming home to her beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast. Eventually, she does anticipate furthering her education as she closes out her time studying at Ole Miss. 
     Lindsey said she enjoys a good read, unnecessary shopping, trying to keep flowers alive, and caring for her dog, in the scarce moments that she has free time. It is shocking to find her without an iced coffee on hand in the morning hours, “or before lunch time, really,” she says.
     Family is a major priority in Lindsey’s life, and she cherishes every opportunity they can spend together. Her close-knit relationship with them, coupled with influence from strong, independent women as role models, has greatly impacted who she is today. In a recent post on her social media platforms, Lindsey wrote: “Happy Mother’s Day to the wonderful strong women who helped raise me. I love y’all more than you know and wouldn’t be who I am today without you. I carry a piece of each of you with me every day!”
     Most importantly, however, Lindsey would not be who she is without Jesus and credits Him for every blessing. She is thankful for Sunday lunches after church and consistency that pushes her to grow in her faith. Overall, Lindsey’s long-term goals include writing a published book and creating her own pasture as home. 

     Lindsey’s cousin, Arianna Ryker, said she is proud of the accomplished woman Lindsey has become.
     “Even though we are cousins, Lindsey has always been like a little sister to me,” says Arianna. “We have had the privilege of growing up together. We went from playing with dolls, me dropping her off at middle school while I was in high school, to now being best friends. As we have grown up, we share long phone calls to help each other deal with everyday life. She is always seeking guidance, and I try my best to give her advice by taking a ‘big sister’ role.”
     Arianna also touts Lindsey for the work she has done in helping advertise and advocate for her new business, ‘SIP Paddle Rental, Mississippi’s only paddleboard delivery service on the Gulf Coast since January 2023.
     “I have watched Lindsey grow up to be a beautiful young lady that has accomplished so much,” Arianna says. “She has earned many awards throughout school, won writing competitions, and gained leadership roles. She has always been very driven while still maintaining a free-spirited and loving personality.
     “She is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone and take risks. I have no doubt that Lindsey will accomplish many things in life no matter what direction she chooses to take. I am looking forward to seeing what she does next.”

On the cover: Ole Miss Alumni Lindsey Magee bids a bittersweet farewell to her alma mater and looks forward to exploring her future career options.

Amanda Compton-Ortiz

Amanda Compton-Ortiz holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Mississippi. She relocated from North Mississippi to Long Beach in October 2016. Amanda has worked for more than 20 years in journalism, leading and reporting for various community news publications throughout the state. She has received numerous awards for her editorial contributions from the Mississippi Press Association and placed among 224 universities competing across the United States and Canada for Reach, a personally created magazine for women.