2015 Review Winter

Border
STORIES
Saint James Alum Reports the News from Mexico City
American playwright Arthur Miller once said,
“A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation
talking to itself.” If one were to agree, then
it would follow that a good journalist must reflect the
truth(s) of a nation’s people. No small responsibility.
It may come as no surprise to our alumni that Saint
James School has birthed its share of journalists, many
of whom are affiliated with some of the nation’s most
prominent newspapers and news wires, including
the Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press. Among
this accomplished group is Hagerstown native,
Christopher (Chris) Sherman ’93, a tall, sanguine, selfeffacing
graduate who works in Mexico City as a news
correspondent for the Associated Press.
We were fortunate to be able to interview Chris just
five months after he joined the Mexico City bureau,
relocating from McAllen, Texas, his home for nearly
six years. Similar to our last two alumni profiles—
author and anti-drug trafficking crusader, David Hume
’62, and communications director/political advisor,
Meghan Pennington ’03, Chris is also an accomplished
communicator. And, much like the journalist heroes
he cites as influences, including Pulitzer Prize winners,
Katherine Boo and David Finkel, Chris has not shied
away from challenging assignments. The young reporter
has made a name for himself investigating the drug trade
and human smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border,
and, through his writing, has exposed corruption
among our nation’s law enforcement officers. Here, in
his own words, he provides a glimpse into his new life
across the border.
continued on pg. 32
30 Review • Winter 2015