Hi, I'm Lily Check.
The typical beginning of any aspiring journalist's stemming passion, I joined my high school's student-run publication for one reason and one reason only: my love for writing. Although, little did I know that my fascination with the art of storytelling would metamorphose into an interest far greater than writing simple narratives.
It would transform into a passion for sports journalism, political journalism and photography.
It would transform into an enthusiasm for capturing emotion and telling the stories of authentic voices.
And, most importantly, it would transform into an eagerness to discover the truth.
So, let this personal blog and portfolio, CheckPoint Sports & More, be a representation of said metamorphose. Let it serve as a guide to understanding my obsession with unbiased media in an era of inaccurate reporting. And, let it be an inside look into my ultimate love for sports. There truly is nothing like the game.
This is not just a stop, but a checkpoint, and be sure to hit every one. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading.
From, Lily
About Me
I am located in Hampton Roads, specifically in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am a rising senior at Salem High School ━ home of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy ━ and returning Editor-in-Chief at Salem's student-run newspaper, The SunDevil Times.
Specifically related to journalism, I attended NCSMA's Sports Journalism Camp in 2024 and the Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in Education and Media in 2025, both hosted at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. My work has been published on the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Core Blog, and I continue to search for freelance opportunities.
Aside from journalism, I am deeply interested in sports, politics, philanthropy, and community service. I am National Honor Society President, Varsity Softball Captain, and a proud camp counselor and nursing home volunteer. I am a die-hard Yankees fan, best friends with my sister, and a lover of all things travel.
Click for more pictures!
CHRONOLOGY
December 2019: Interest peaks in journalism after a completing a sixth grade English assignment on women's rights, comparing those of the Victorian Era to those of today
2020: Writes first article, covering Benjamin Franklin, and records first broadcast on home camcorder (watch the video down below!)
August 2023: Enrolls in Journalism I and joins The SunDevil Times as a staff writer
December 2023: Article on the history of the gender pay gap surpasses 1,000 views
March 2024: Selected as The SunDevil Times' Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-25 school year
June 2024: Attends NCSMA Carolina Sports Journalism Camp
August 2024: Enrolls in Journalism II and becomes Editor-in-Chief of The SunDevil Times
October 2024: Interviews the Blue Angels and publishes an exclusive feature story: "The Mission Behind the Maneuvers"
March 2025: Article on Salem's dance team is selected for Virginia Beach City Public Schools Core Blog
March 2025: Selected as The SunDevil Times' Editor-in-Chief for the 2025-26 school year
June 2025: Attends Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in Education and Media at UNC Chapel Hill and publishes "The Mix"
My passion for reporting and broadcast journalism began in 2020 at 12 years old, even if I didn't know it at the time.
My sister and I were proud "correspondents" for DQN, Daily Quarantine News. And, yes, we made that up, but it was real to us.
My first "broadcast" in 2020