After almost four years working on this publication, it’s almost unreal to think my time is coming to an end. Of all the activities I’ve been involved in during high school, my work on the Dispatch has been the most rewarding, and has changed my life for the better. While it could be strenuous to train and teach a large group of inexperienced underclassmen and manage the website, I found the work more rewarding than stressful. And I was always able to balance fun with the work. Some days Gabby and I would make try-not-to-laugh videos, Bentlee, Arden and I would film a podcast, or Skylar and I would sneak away to Starbucks. But through it all, working on the website or helping underclassmen with assignments has always stayed the same. It’s so strange to imagine a day where I’ll leave my desk and never come back to it. The days I’ve spent working on the paper have been some of the best days of my life, and it’s all because of the amazing people I’ve worked alongside.
Gabby, without you as my better half, I don’t know how I would’ve survived the year. You are the best friend and partner inside and outside the classroom, and I’m so glad that we became as close as we did. I remember thinking on the first day we worked on the Choir video together that we would become best friends, and now, I can’t imagine my life without you. You are such a dedicated worker and bring the best energy. I know the publication will continue to be amazing with you leading online on your own.
Bentlee, thank you for bringing the best vibes to class and making the social side of the newspaper the most enjoyable. I love talking with you in class and spending time with you at parties, and I’m so thankful this class brought us together. Safe to say, you’re my favorite Toland sister now (sorry, Brighton). You and I are the best duo, and I’ll miss not having someone to jump around with next year.
Arden, I can’t believe we went years in school together without being as close as we are now. You are such a funny and delightful person to be around, and I love spending time with you in class and NCL. I know you’ll do great things, and I’ll miss you so much next year.
Skylar, Claire, Kate, and Reese: Thank you for letting me be your newspaper mom. B Day was genuinely so hard for me at the start of the year without Gabby to help with my tasks, so training y’all to be my assistants has been the biggest help in the world. You all are the reason I can get through the class, and I’ll miss playing silly games and sneaking off to get Starbucks with y’all next year so much. Be nice to Gabby next year, and help her like you would help me!
Elizabeth, you are the best birthday twin ever. I appreciate all your work for the publication and support you’ve given me and Gabby. You are such a kind and talented person, and I’m so glad we’ve gotten closer over the years. I know you’ll do great things and will miss you so much next year.
Reeves, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you or your classes. Even in the early days of Digital Media, your support encouraged me to grow as a digital creator and writer. Now that I’m heading off to one of the best journalism schools in the country, I know it wouldn’t have been without your contributions. I worked my hardest to be the best Online Editor, and even though there were many challenges, I appreciate you and your trust in me.
