On a chilly February afternoon in 2025, the Fairfield Local School District held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new School-Based Health and Innovation Center. The event was designed to celebrate progress, investment, and community care. But for one eighth-grade student standing quietly in the crowd, it marked something far more personal—the beginning of a bold new chapter in local journalism.

That student was Rylan Hackworth. At just 13 years old, Rylan wasn’t there as a spectator. He was there as a notetaker, a thinker, and—though he didn’t know it yet—a future publisher. That evening, he returned home, sat down at his desk, and wrote an article covering the event. It wasn’t for a class project or a school assignment. It was for something he felt compelled to create. That article became the first published piece of The Leesburg Times.

The next day, February 27, 2025, The Leesburg Times was officially founded.

Rylan didn’t launch his media company with a business plan or a boardroom. He launched it with a piece of paper, a passion for storytelling, and a belief that local voices matter. What truly sparked the idea wasn’t just the ceremony itself—it was a kind and encouraging reply he received from the Ohio Department of Development after reaching out about the event. That message, full of inspiration and validation, lit a fire in him. It was proof that his voice could be heard and that his writing could make an impact.

Since then, The Leesburg Times Media Company has grown into a multi-publication platform, including The Leesburg Times and The Frankfort Dispatch. Rylan serves as Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, as well as Editor-in-Chief of both papers. He oversees everything from editorial tone to branding, layout design, and public messaging. And he does it all while balancing school, leadership responsibilities, and the everyday life of a middle school student.

The Times’ first interview was with the Highland County North Joint Fire and Ambulance District—a fitting choice for a publication rooted in community service. Its first Facebook follower was Café 28, a local business that Rylan still credits as a foundational supporter. Today, The Leesburg Times is nearing 900 followers and continues to grow steadily, thanks to its commitment to honest, unbiased reporting and grassroots engagement.

Rylan’s editorial philosophy is simple but powerful. Stay out of biased politics, present the facts, and let readers form their own opinions. He believes in the power of community journalism to uplift small towns, highlight everyday heroes, and give voice to those who often go unheard. His coverage includes first responders, municipal workers, small businesses, and local residents—all with the goal of fostering connection and pride.

Rylan’s work has earned him recognition beyond the pages of his publications. On May 12, 2025, he was invited to appear on Local 12 to discuss The Leesburg Times and its mission. The segment introduced his work to a wider audience and showcased the impact a young journalist can have when given the chance to lead.

Just a week later, on May 19, Rylan was honored at the Fairfield Local School Board meeting with the Portrait of a Lion Program’s Communication Award. The award recognized his leadership, creativity, and dedication to public service through media. For Rylan, it was a moment of affirmation—a reminder that his work mattered and that others believed in his vision.

Now in eighth grade, Rylan has joined the Fairfield Local Middle School newspaper class, where he continues to refine his skills and collaborate with peers. Though he’s unsure what he’ll study in college or what career he’ll pursue, he’s not in a rush to decide. “People change, and their decisions change,” he says. “I’ll decide when the time is right.”

What he does know is that journalism has become a deep and serious passion. It’s not just a hobby—it’s a calling. And he’s committed to growing The Leesburg Times into a sustainable, community-rooted media organization that serves Southern Ohio with bold reporting, creative publishing, and public service.

Rylan’s advice to others is heartfelt and direct. “Follow your dreams. Don’t let anything stop you. If you don’t pursue them, they won’t happen. You have to make them happen. It’s up to you.”

It’s a message that reflects his own journey—from a single article written after a school event to a media company that’s making waves across Highland County. His story is a testament to what can happen when you believe in yourself, take initiative, and surround yourself with people who support your vision.

Rylan’s passion for literature has always been evident. His sixth-grade English teacher once remarked—paraphrased here—that while she had to teach other students how to write essays, she didn’t need to teach Rylan anything. His talent was already there, waiting to be nurtured.

That love for language now fuels his editorial work, his branding decisions, and his public outreach. Whether he’s curating font pairings, drafting AP-style emails, or designing social media templates, Rylan approaches every detail with intention and care.

Rylan is quick to acknowledge the people who’ve helped him along the way. He thanks the staff of Fairfield Local School District for believing in him and in The Leesburg Times. Special thanks go to Mrs. Deanne Miller, Mrs. Megan Abbott, Mrs. Amanda Perkins, Mrs. Melanie Hamilton, Mrs. Keisha McCoy, Mrs. Kate Faulconer, Mrs. Lindsay Caldwell, and Mrs. Sherry Hooper. He also extends gratitude to his former teachers—Mrs. Emily Moore, Mrs. Amy Cox, and Mr. Richard Bivens—for laying the foundation.

And of course, he thanks Café 28 for being the first to support The Leesburg Times on social media. That early encouragement meant everything.

As The Leesburg Times continues to grow, Rylan remains focused on refining its branding, expanding its editorial sections, and launching interactive comment features that engage readers. He’s building reusable templates, iterating on public communications, and setting a visual standard for credibility and approachability.

But more than anything, he’s building a legacy. One that proves leadership isn’t about age—it’s about vision, heart, and the courage to start something new.

The Leesburg Times is more than a publication. It’s a movement. And at its helm is a young leader who reminds us all that dreams don’t happen on their own. You have to go to them. You have to make them happen.