Rachel Alexander
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers education, economic development and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for over a decade and is a past president of Oregon's Society of Professional Journalists chapter. Outside of work, you can often find her gardening or with her nose buried in a book.
McKay comics artist and animator heading to art school in Portland
Artist and animator Melody Mendez shows off her sketchbook in the McKay High School photography room. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem…
McNary graduate’s advocacy led to changes in Oregon mandatory reporting
Kimberly Schott poses in a senior photo. (Courtesy/Kim Schott) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and Keizer to select an outstanding graduate – someone who…
Sprague graduate helped lead school choir through challenging year
James Nelson outside Sprague High school. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and Keizer to select an outstanding graduate – someone who…
After decades evaluating school threats in Salem, John van Dreal retiring to spend more time on his art
John van Dreal sits in his office at the Salem-Keizer School District (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) When John van Dreal started a new job four years ago, his bosses were thousands of miles away. Van Dreal, a school psychologist specializing in…
Six Salem-Keizer schools to start 2019-20 with new principals
Straub Middle School principal Laura Perez, top left, is taking a district job in the fall. New principals for the 2019-20 school year are Beth Freeborn, top center, (Battle Creek), Ingrid Ceballos (Four Corners) Karl Paulson, bottom left (Forest Ridge),…
Friends since elementary school, North Salem grads enlist in Marine Corps together
Rafael Peña, left, and Noel Zarate, hold a Viking Battalion trophy earned in competition. (Courtesy North Salem JROTC) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and…
Aspiring engineer Beatriz Perez graduating from Teen Parent Program
Beatriz Perez with her son Aiden at the Teen Parent Program playground on the Chemeketa Community College campus. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools…
After nearly dropping out, West Salem grad earns full ride to WOU
Eddie Perez cuts a classmate’s hair at the CTEC salon. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and Keizer to select an outstanding…
South Salem grad will spend summer studying cancer drug delivery before heading to Yale
Megha Joshi poses in a science classroom at South Salem High School. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem and Keizer to select…
Blanchet grad heading to selective Florence Academy of Art hopes to make career of oil painting
Sam Hoskins poses in front of his work in his makeshift studio at Blanchet Catholic School (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) This profile is part of a series on Class of 2019 high school graduates. Salem Reporter asked high schools in Salem…