Nikkee Porcaro

Contributor
Nikkee Porcaro - Nikkee Porcaro
Nikkee Porcaro - Nikkee Porcaro

I am a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in sociology. I was a paid columnist for two years for the school's independent student newspaper, the Diamondback, which has a circulation of approximately 43,000. Additionally, I hosted a sports talk show on the campus radio and did play-by-play for women's volleyball, gymnastics and men's baseball. I was also chosen to anchor the award-winning news program "College Park Edition", airing on UMTV, a station in the 8th market (Washington, D.C.). The show aired in over 500,000 homes. I also hosted my own Meet the Press-style show called, "That's the Point!"

I have won the following scholarships for my writing and/or academic excellence:

* University of Maryland Presidential Scholarship, a four-year award

* Sigma Delta Chi Foundation Scholarship (for journalistic excellence), April 2006

* Stanley Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship (for journalistic excellence), April 2006 * Russell Potts Scholarship (for journalistic excellence), April 2006

* Veterans of Foreign Wars scholarship, May 2003

* Jennie M. Haver scholarship, May 2003

I was also a competitive collegiate club gymnast all four years at Maryland. I competed across the country at the highest level of NAIGC competition possible- Nationals. I had a college internship at ESPN's popular television show "Around the Horn," so I feel confident writing about sports through my experiences competing in and working around them.

Before I worked in journalism, I was a special education teacher for a year and a half. I have worked in the special ed community since I was 10 years old, mainly with children with autism and Down Syndrome. My perspective as a former educator and behavioral therapist provides me with a unique way to write about the issues that face that community.

Currently, I work at NBC in Washington, D.C., writing for various newscasts that the station airs. I have also written for the station's website, NBCWashington.com.

Latest Articles

Losing Religion
The number of Americans calling themselves Christians has declined drastically over the last two decades as more people identify with nontraditional denominations.
Mar 9, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
Banning Barbie?
West Virginia legislator Jeff Eldridge has introduced a bill that calls for a statewide ban on Barbies. But many of his constituents and fellow lawmakers question it.
Mar 5, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
How To Sell Items On Craigslist
Plenty of people have perfectly good items laying around their houses they want to make some cash for. Here are some tips to help get the most potential buyers.
Mar 4, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
Potty Training Basics
Potty training a child can be a difficult transition. After three years in diapers, many children are reluctant to halt play to go use a toilet. These tricks can help.
Mar 1, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
Southern Comfort in 262 Pages
Humor columnist Celia Rivenbark's latest novel offers some not-so-subtle southern wisdom focused on many areas, including parenting, celebrities and relationships.
Feb 28, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
Terp Women Delight in Regular Season Finale
On senior night, the fifth-ranked Maryland Terrapins notched an easy win over ACC foe Boston College. Seniors Coleman and Toliver combined for 59 points in the victory.
Feb 28, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
How to Treat Shin Splints
Shin splints affect athletes of all ages and are common among runners and gymnasts. Understanding them and how to treat them can improve the quality of your workout.
Feb 26, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
Put Some Spring in Your Sleep!
As the last few months of winter wane, spring is in everyone's minds. Garden expert P. Allen Smith demonstrates some easy ways to bring a spring garden inside.
Feb 21, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
How to Cope when the Baby Boomers Come Back Home
The mortgage crisis and sagging employment are causing foreclosures at a record rate. This is forcing some adult children to move back home with their parents for good.
Feb 21, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro
The SAT versus the ACT
It's the time of year when high schoolers stress about the dreaded standardized tests most colleges require. But is one test right for all students?
Feb 14, 2009 - Nikkee Porcaro