Lauren J. Young Carvellaro '12
When Lauren looks back on her time at Our Lady of the Elms School, what stands out most is not a single moment, award, or achievement. It is the confidence she gained, the relationships she built, and the foundation that quietly shaped the woman and leader she would become.
Today, Lauren is the Digital Editor at the Akron Beacon Journal, managing coverage that spans breaking news, features, food, arts, and trending topics that matter to the Akron community. Her career in journalism has taken her across the country, but in a full-circle moment, it has also brought her home.
Finding Her Voice at the Elms
Lauren credits the Elms with sharpening the core skills that would define her career: writing, research, and critical thinking. The school’s rigorous English curriculum challenged her to think deeply, articulate clearly, and trust her voice, skills that became the backbone of her work in journalism. That foundation was formally recognized early on when she received the English Award during her sophomore year, an affirmation that she was capable of more than she sometimes believed.
Equally impactful was mentorship. One teacher in particular, Mr. Jacoby, played a defining role in Lauren’s growth. As her Global Studies and Geography teacher and her tennis coach, he pushed her to get out of her own head, believe in her abilities, and show up with confidence. Their shared interests, combined with four years together on the tennis team, created a relationship built on trust, encouragement, and challenge. It was the kind of mentorship that stays with you long after graduation.
A Nonlinear Path to Journalism
Lauren’s career path was not linear, and she embraces that. She began college at Xavier University, studying Athletic Training, before realizing her passion lay elsewhere. After her sophomore year, she transferred to Ohio University to pursue journalism, graduating in 2016.
From there, her career steadily evolved. She began as a copy editor at the Augusta Chronicle in Georgia, then moved into a digital producer role at The Greenville News in South Carolina, part of the USA Today network. There, she developed expertise in SEO optimization, crafting headlines and URLs to ensure stories reached the widest possible audience. Her work expanded to support newsrooms in Anderson, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina, before she joined a USA Today digital optimization hub serving papers across the Southeast.
Each step refined her leadership skills, editorial judgment, and understanding of how journalism can best serve readers in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Serving the Community Through Storytelling
Returning to Akron to work at the Beacon Journal was something Lauren never expected, but it quickly became one of the most meaningful chapters of her career. As a digital editor, she sees herself as a vessel for the community, helping ensure local stories are told accurately, responsibly, and with care.
She also continues to write, often weaving together her personal interests with local relevance. One example includes connecting the Met Gala to Akron by highlighting the work of an Akron designer, proof that even global moments can be rooted in local pride.
At her core, Lauren’s values are deeply shaped by her Elms education. She often speaks about the strong moral compass the school instilled in her: doing the right thing, seeing the good in people, and leading with integrity. Those values guide her editorial decisions and her approach to leadership every day.
Lifelong Friendships
Beyond academics and career preparation, the Elms gave Lauren something just as lasting, friendship. She maintains close relationships with classmates who have been part of her life since childhood, friends she has known since second grade, and neighbors who became sisters. These bonds, forged in the halls of the Elms, remain a source of support and connection years later.
Advice for Today’s Elms Students
Lauren’s advice to current students is simple but heartfelt. Work hard, but do not forget to enjoy it. The days pass faster than you think. Lean into the sisterhood, cherish your classmates, and allow yourself to fully experience what makes the Elms special.
Looking ahead, Lauren is eager to reconnect with the school that helped shape her. Whether through Career Day, February Fantasy, tutoring, or speaking to English classes, she hopes to give back and inspire the next generation of Elms leaders.
Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact an Elms education can have, not just in preparing students for college and careers, but in shaping confident, values-driven women who return to serve their communities and lead with purpose.