Celeste Gracey started this week as the Renton Reporter’s new reporter, just in time to cover the big fire in the Highlands.

Editor Dean Radford describes Gracey as a Media Professional.

“She comes to us with a strong background in news and features writing, as well as great grasp of what it takes to develop a strong Web site in today’s New Media age,” said Radford.

Her primary beat is education, but she will range all over Renton looking for stories, he said.

Gracey, 23, is a 2008 graduate from the University of Washington journalism program.

She interned at The Seattle Times and the Port Townsend Leader Newspaper as a reporter and at the Seattle P-I as a digital media intern.

“I love community journalism. It’s not just about informing your community, but it’s about telling people’s stories,” she said.

Gracey also enjoys experimenting with photography, digital media and blogging.

“I love the feel of a newspaper in my hand, but I also love the doors that the Internet is opening for communications,” she said.

An Eastside native, she’s looking forward to getting to know Renton and the many communities thriving here.

“This newspaper is a perfect fit for me,” she said. “Renton is such a diverse area, and it has been fun watching it change and grow.”

Gracey replaces Emily Garland, who worked at the Renton Reporter for three years. She has accepted a posting with the Peace Corps in Cambodia.

Gracey can be reached at 425-255-3484, ext. 5050 or cgracey@rentonreporter.com.