Get to know the Herald-Leader’s new service reporter, Casey Sebastiano

Hi again, Lexington. My name is Casey Sebastiano, and I am the Lexington Herald-Leader’s new service journalism reporter.

I have been at the Herald-Leader for a few weeks now. You may have already seen my stories about whether it’s legal to sleep at Kentucky rest areas, how to stay safe from Tuberculosis or the KY ties in the upcoming movie, “Ethan Almighty.” I think it is finally time I introduce myself.

What to know about me

I am a recent University of Kentucky graduate, so I have been in Lexington for the last four years. I spent the first half of my life in Northern New Jersey outside New York and the second half in Southeastern Pennsylvania outside Philly. But don’t worry, I’m not an Eagles fan. Go Big Blue.

While at UK, I took all the journalism classes I could, participated in a photojournalism workshop called Picture Kentucky, was a reporter and editor for UK’s student newspaper the Kentucky Kernel, and most recently co-founded an independent student-run newspaper called The Watchdog alongside my wonderful co-workers, peers and friends.

I’ve reported in numerous parts of the Commonwealth including Lexington, Louisville, Hazard and Frankfort, and it’s safe to say I fell in love with Kentucky through all of it. While this city is not new to me, I am seeing it in a new light thanks to this position.

My main goal in this job is to be the “answer person” for the people of Lexington. If you have a question, inquiry or wondering about anything Kentucky, I want to know. Email me, and I will do the research and make the calls so you don’t have to.

Journalism is about serving the people. You are the people.

Now, a few fun questions.

What’s my most frequented lunch or dinner spot in Lexington?

In college, my friends and fellow student journalists frequently made runs to Okome, whether it was between classes or after a late production night at the office. I have a signature bowl at this point and their boba lemonade is great. The employees are so nice, always smiling, and they are always so happy to greet anyone who walks in. Okome definitely played a big part in getting me through college.

What’s my favorite band?

This is one of my favorite questions, because I never have a solid answer. My rotation of answers usually consists of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, The Beatles, Gavin Adcock, Deftones — and I know this is outside the theme that has begun to take place here, but both Tate McRae and Calvin Harris will always have a piece of my heart.

Where is my favorite place to be when not working?

Growing up on the East Coast, I firmly believe that there is no better place than the Jersey Shore. The ocean is one of the scariest yet most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth. Waking up, eating the best taylor ham sandwich made by my Gaga, sitting on the deck with my family overlooking the water and waving to everyone who drives by is unbeatable.

What makes working at the Herald-Leader special?

Having gone to UK, I have been reading the H-L for the last four years. Not only would I read the paper to stay informed, but I would read it to learn how to write. These reporters became my teachers without even knowing it. I was lucky enough to secure a job out of college, and I am so grateful it is with a newspaper I have been familiar with for so long — only now, I’m on the other side.

Being surrounded by passionate, hard-working colleagues who simply want to produce good journalism is so refreshing, and it makes me want to continually grow in my work.

I have only been here for a few weeks, and I am so glad I’m finally here. I cannot wait to see how my future unfolds and how I can further serve Herald-Leader readers.

How can you contact me?

Feel free to contact me with any questions, thoughts or ideas you think I should focus on at any time. My email is always open casey.sebastiano@herald-leader.com.