Wow, what a three years it has been. It is hard for me to wrap my head around it being over. It is hard for me to accept that I will never sit in the journalism room again, editing stories and chatting with my friends.
For three years I have been in this class and for three years it has been my favorite. This is not because of the content of the course itself (though, I love that too), it is not because of the room and the privileges it gives you (also great). No, it is because of the people.
I took it the first year possible for most people, my sophomore year. It was Camden Anslinger, Rachel Pohl, Sydney Long and EmmaLee Higgs back then. At the time, I was a poor writer who was looking to get an easy fine arts credit. After being forced to write so many stories, I began to fall in love with writing. I came back the next year and became the copy editor. It was then that I wrote my all-time favorite piece over Allison Hale, and got closer with the then Editor-in-Chief, senior Payton Henn. Then, the next year, I was editor-in-chief. I never knew this was in store for me. If someone had told me sophomore year where I was now, I would have been surprised I even took the class again.
I am proud of many things the staff did this year. For one, the email has boosted our site views by a great amount. We brought on photographers halfway through the school year that were an amazing addition to our stories.
But, I am excited to see what will be done with it next year. I have no doubt that Eva will improve it in so many ways. I can not wait to watch my baby grow.
The class was made so great because of a few special people. For one, Payton Henn and Nicholas Shelton. Shout out to them for taking me under their wings. It must be said that I am honored to be the first male editor-in-chief under the guidance of Grigsby. Sorry females.
Eva, I know you will build on and vastly improve the paper. You are a great writer and editor. I have no doubt that you will be a great editor-in-chief. I wish you all the best for the rest of your high school career.
Grigsby, you are the best. Thank you for all you do for me and this community. This school would not be able to function without you, and I would be nowhere near where I am if you had never been in my life. This site too, is so great because of the work and effort you put into it. Thank you for supporting me in everything, I am forever grateful for you.
Camden, thanks for sticking with me and making these years so much fun. You have prevented me from getting so much work done, and I will never forgive you for that, but I would not want to waste time with anyone else. I cannot wait for IU next year, and the Tom Foolery we will get up to.
To the rest of the staff, I hope you all enjoy newspaper as much as I have. Make sure you are good for Eva and get your stories in on time next year. Remember no Oxford comma and no contractions.
When I think about Gibson Southern, I will think about sitting in the journalism room during class seventh period, talking with Camden, Eva and Mr. Grigsby. I will think of the safe place it was and the great people that made it so.
Goodbye, “The Southerner Online.” It has been an honor and a privilege. Thank you for everything.
