On May 10, 2022, sixty students gathered in the Media Center of Penn-Trafford High School to listen to 2006 graduate Maranie Rae Staab discuss her career as a photojournalist.
Staab recently returned from covering the war in Ukraine. She discussed the destruction that she has seen in various cities of Ukraine while showing some of her photographs. She spoke about the importance of following your passions. “You don’t have to know now what you want to do for the rest of your life; the pressure in high school is real and I encourage any student to study something they are curious (about) and care about,” commented Ms. Stabb. “Today more than ever, you can create your own path. Once you find what makes you tick, pursue it with all you have. You will live a fulfilling life.”
Staab shared the journey to her present career and how it took her some time to figure out her path. She also spoke about photographing some of the most turbulent times in recent history such as civil unrest in Bogata, Columbia, events in the Middle East, and BLM protests at home. She stressed that journalists need to be objective and report what they see without any spin or political bias.
Freshman Michael Harris enjoyed the speaker and commented, “Maranie Rae Staab shed new light on the traditional idea of journalism. She captured the beauty of raw, unsolicited moments to produce honest news.” Staab has since returned to Ukraine to continue her work there.
Credit: Maranie Rae Staab
Credit: Maranie Rae Staab
Credit: Maranie Rae Staab
Staab addresses PT students about her work as a photojournalist