Valparaiso High School graduate Julia Chappell joined 600 other journalists last week as they watched the second presidential debate at Hofstra University.
Chappell served a volunteer photographer Oct. 16 for the Commission on Presidential Debates.
"I didn't get to be in the hall during the actual debate, but I was all over the place that day taking pictures of everything happening at Hofstra University," she said.
Chappell, a 2010 Valparaiso High graduate and the daughter of Bob and Jean Chappell, did not see President Obama or Gov. Mitt Romney but did get to go into the hall before the event. She had to archive images of all aspects of the setup, facilities and activities related to the debate at the university in Hempstead, N.Y.
"I actually had to start my day at 6 a.m., and I took pictures during the dress rehearsal of the debate," she said. "That was so interesting because they have to make sure the town hall format is done right and that the lighting was good."
Chappell was glad she volunteered.
"It was definitely unreal and was an incredible experience," she said. "I covered the protesters that were there that day, and I covered Issue Alley where all the student groups get to go to voice their opinions."
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