Our Contributors
Rachel Kimmel is an editorial intern with Celebrate Gettysburg. Even though the 2020/2021 timeframe hasn’t been a typical internship, she has adapted wonderfully. From Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania, she is currently a student at St. Bonaventure University. When she is not writing for CG, you can find her breaking records and winning medals in the breaststroke. Rachel also enjoys reading historical fiction and laughing too much with friends.4 Articles
Darrin Youker is a freelance reporter based in East Berlin. Writing from a lovingly restored early 1800s home, he has contributed to Celebrate Gettysburg for over a year. Darrin has written for newspapers in New York and Pennsylvania along with several regional and national magazines on a freelance basis. In his free time, he enjoys anything outdoors, including hiking and kayaking.2 Articles
Alex began his journalism career in 2005 as a staff writer for the Gettysburg Times. He has covered wide breadth of stories, from municipal meetings that ended in screaming matches to police trapping a stray alligator in Cumberland Township. Hayes prides himself in taking a people-centric approach to journalism and believes everyone has a story that needs to be shared. He lives in Mount Joy Township with his wife and fellow writer, Ashley Andyshak Hayes as well as their dogs, Toby and Callie.2 Articles
James' novels run the gamut from military suspense and thrillers to historical fiction, Christian fiction, and small-town Southern women's fiction. She is a four-time winner of the coveted John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and received a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America in addition to a dozen other literary awards. James stays active working part-time as a stagehand where she assists with shows ranging from country bands and stage plays, to operas, symphonies and ballets. She resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and has a passion for old dwellings and first edition books.1 Articles
Ana Maria Villanueva- Lykes is a widely published writer, novelist, editor, wife, mother, and lover of life. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at the De La Salle University and is an avid traveler. You can follow her travels and learn more about her by visiting her blog: http://anaviajeralogue.blogspot.com.1 Articles
Emily Staley is the newest CG photographer. She grew up on South Mountain—a field’s walk away from her grandparents’ house that has been in her family for over 100 years. Raised by her amazing mother, her upbringing has fueled her passion for documenting fleeting family moments and learning more about the past. In her free time, you may find her exploring local businesses with her partner, Cam.