Charlie Bloomer, a Sandy High School senior, has been named the Oregon high school journalist of the year by the Oregon Journalism Education Association. Bloomer, who has served as editor-in-chief at Sandy High School’s Pioneer Press and published work in The Oregonian/OregonLive, was chosen from seven finalists for her wide range of experience, strong writing ability and commitment to community journalism, according to the statewide organization. Bloomer has also volunteered as a fact checker for the Portland-based Street Roots newspaper. “Her body of work shows that she’s committed to telling people’s stories,” said Glenn Krake, director of the organization and the West Linn High School journalism adviser. “The judges were really impressed with the quality of her work and her leadership background.” Claire Coffey, a Grant High School senior, was named runner up in the contest. Bloomer’s winning portfolio included coverage of a climate-oriented fast fashion show at a Beaverton high school, written features of “local legends” in her area and an opinion piece highlighting Valentine’s Day as a symbol of consumerism. Bloomer, 18, joined the Pioneer Press her sophomore year as a creative outlet and has since served in multiple editor roles. Her passion for journalism prompted her to apply and attend regional and national training camps hosted by the Asian American Journalists Association and the Oregon High School Journalism Institute, a collaboration between Oregon State University, The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon media organizations. As co-editor-in-chief of the school paper, Bloomer oversees a 26-person staff and edits more than a dozen articles per monthly issue, said J.D. McIntire, journalism adviser at Sandy High School. She tends to lead by example, he said. “She does it completely without ego,” McIntire said. “She understands the differences in people and what some might need, and she’s a super humble person. She’s really just trying to help them be their best.” Bloomer has kept herself busy in other avenues as well. She has volunteered or worked for several community organizations, including youth advocacy group Next Up Action Fund, music nonprofit Friends of Noise and social justice organization Rural Organizing Project. She also plays golf and is a four-year member of Sandy High School’s speech and debate club. The common thread between her wide range of extracurriculars, Bloomer said, is a sense of community action and helping others. “I think it’s really fulfilling and important to (take action) if you feel helpless or upset about things that are happening around you,” Bloomer said. “It just means a lot to be able to feel like you’re able to contribute something.” Bloomer said she has not yet decided where she plans to attend college, but will likely study sociology and possibly multimedia journalism. “It’s all in the air right now,” she said. — Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.