Every year, the Freedom Forum selects one rising high school senior from each state and Washington D.C. to attend the prestigious AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington D.C. Founded in honor of Al Neuharth, the trailblazing creator of USA TODAY, the Freedom Forum, and the Newseum, this conference seeks to empower and inspire the next generation of journalists. It brings together 51 of the nation’s most promising young storytellers – students committed to uncovering the truth, defending the First Amendment, and using media to make a difference.
In 2025, Homestead’s Christina Baumann was selected to represent the state of Wisconsin at this transformative event, which will take place from June 22 to June 27 in the heart of the nation’s capital. Her selection is more than an honor; it’s a recognition of her dedication to journalistic integrity, leadership and potential to shape the media landscape of tomorrow. As a delegate, Christina will join other students in learning from seasoned journalists, visiting media institutions and engaging in robust conversations about press freedom and the responsibilities that come with that.
The conference also includes a memorable evening in the Free Expression Awards on June 25, where students witness prominent leaders and advocates being honored for their commitment to protecting free speech and journalism freedom. Beyond the educational and inspirational value of this event, each participant will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward college – an investment in their future contributions to the field of journalism.
Baumann follows in the footsteps of other Wisconsin delegates such as Hannah Kennedy (Class of ‘21), Ava Wojonowski (Class of ‘20), Mollie Cook (Class of ‘13), and Sasha Milbeck (Class of ‘18). These young women have pursued media-related paths, carrying with them experiences, mentorship and connections forged during the Free Spirit Conference. Their stories show that this program does more than just honor high school students; it launches them towards meaningful careers in journalism, media and beyond.
The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is a cornerstone of the Freedom Forum’s mission: to foster a strong, free, and responsible press while nurturing future generations of truth-seekers. For students like Baumann, it is both a celebration of their accomplishments and a powerful reminder of the responsibility they carry as future voices of truth in an increasingly complex media landscape.
