Leader Publications has added a new full-time page designer and photojournalist to its news team.

Emily Sobecki, 22, of Bremen, Indiana, joined the Leader Publications newsroom in late July.

Sobecki is a 2013 graduate of Penn High School. She graduated from Ball State University in May with a degree in photojournalism and a minor in digital publishing.

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in my area of study and to use what I have learned to tell stories through pictures,” Sobecki said. “I want to grow as a photographer and as a person.”

Sobecki chose to study photojournalism after taking a film photography class in high school.

“I decided to study photojournalism not only because of the great journalism school at Ball State, but also because I wanted to tell stories with my photos,” she said.

In addition to candid photography, Sobecki said she enjoys shooting portraits and landscapes. In her spare time, she enjoys working out at the gym and spending time with family and friends.

She said she is eager to learn more about her co-workers and the communities she will be covering in southwest Michigan.

“I believe community newspapers are important because I think that everyone should be informed about events in their town,” Sobecki said. “[Newspapers] bring people together and create a sense of belonging.”

Sobecki can be reached via email at emily.sobecki@leaderpub.com, or by phone at (269) 687-7704.