Kris Klotz has wanted to work in Mississippi ever since he finished his freshman year of college.
A native of Trout Run, Penn., Klotz began an internship Monday at the Greenwood Commonwealth. He will work as a general assignment reporter until the end of August.
"We are certainly glad to have Kris with us this summer," said Commonwealth managing editor Pat Kelly. "His interest in Mississippi, and his writing talent, will be an asset to our news staff."
After his freshman year at St. John's College in Annapolis, Md., Klotz developed an interest with Mississippi while visiting Jackson and the Delta with a fellow student and native of Mississippi.
"My friend, David Prichard, talked about Mississippi constantly throughout our first spring semester and convinced me to visit for the summer. Ever since then I've wanted to return," he said.
Klotz, 21, will resume his studies at St. John's as a junior this fall. At St. John's he studies the Great Books Program, a curriculum unique to the college.
"The St. John's program really prepares its students for any field because we have to study diverse branches of learning, even those with which our abilities don't coincide," said Klotz.
He first became excited about journalism as editor of his high school newspaper in Montoursville, Penn., where he graduated in 2004.
"I've wanted to work for a newspaper since high school, so this internship affords me the opportunity to do that and to live in a region which I really enjoy," he said.
Klotz said he has no definite career plans, but hopes his time at the Commonwealth will help him narrow his choices.
He said his mother, Kristie Twigg-Klotz of Trout Run, and Prichard's parents, Jo G. and Mary Nell Prichard of Jackson, have offered him a lot of assistance with moving into an unfamiliar community.
