From the halls of Warren ISD to international newsrooms, Warrior alumnus Mitch McCluskey exemplifies how a small-town foundation can lead to a global impact.
This edition of Warrior Alumni Spotlight: Beyond the Bell proudly highlights Mitch McCluskey, a 2013 graduate of Warren ISD whose career in journalism has taken him far beyond East Texas. In 2023, Mitch served as a video producer for CNN International, contributing to coverage of the conflict in the Middle East. As part of a large, collaborative team, he helped coordinate interviews, shape editorial content, and support fast-paced breaking news coverage. These collective efforts earned the team an Emmy Award.
Mitch credits his time at Warren ISD with helping shape the curiosity, resilience, and empathy that guide his work today. Those qualities have proven essential in the field of international journalism, where storytelling requires both technical skill and a deep understanding of people and cultures.
After graduating from Warren ISD, Mitch attended the University of Houston, where he earned dual degrees in journalism and political science. As a Terry Scholarship recipient, he also studied abroad in Morocco, an experience that strengthened his passion for languages and global culture. Mitch is fluent in Spanish and French and is conversational in Arabic, skills that continue to enhance his work and broaden his perspective.
Today, Mitch continues his work in journalism while seeking to expand his skills in visual storytelling and nonfiction writing. His journey is a powerful reminder that being from a small town does not limit your reach. Instead, it helps define your perspective.
Warren ISD is proud to recognize Mitch McCluskey as a Warrior who continues to make an impact beyond the bell.
Sources
East Texan Magazine and East Texas News. “East Texan native wins Emmy for war correspondent coverage.”
https://www.easttexasnews.com/east-texan-magazine/stories/east-texan-native-wins-emmy-for-war-correspondent-coverage,45467
McCluskey, Mitchell. LinkedIn profile.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-mccluskey-9a78b8a3
Warren Yearbook Class of 2013