After being a part of this publication for almost four years, it’s hard to believe that I’m finally saying goodbye. Being a part of the Dispatch has been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my high school career. It pushed me to become a better writer, page editor, leader, and person. It’s been surreal handing the paper off to the next generation of editors, and it’s hard to imagine not walking into Reeves’ room next August. I’ve learned so much from journalism to random things over the past few years. The people I encountered in this program pushed me to grow as a person, and I am grateful for that.
To my parents- Thank you for always supporting me. You guys are the people who introduced me to the importance of journalism at a young age and helped guide me into joining this program. You supported my writing, always gave me feedback on my page once it was printed in the paper. You made sure that I had what I needed and were a voice of reason when I was going through tough times. I know that I wouldn’t have made it this far without that support and encouragement, and I know that ya’ll will be cheering me on as I embark on the next chapter.
Bella- My newspaper big sister, you have taught me almost everything I know about being a successful student journalist. From page design to editing, you are the one who had the patience and time to show me how things are done. You always answered my millions of questions and let me watch everything you do so that I could grow as a journalist. You have helped make me a better writer, editor, page designer, and leader. I genuinely could not have made it without you, and I am eternally grateful for everything you have done. While I miss being able to see you every day, I know that you’re cheering me on from afar. We’ll have to meet up when we’re home for the holidays for our regular Cabo Bobs dates because both Oklahoma and Minnesota have zero Cabo Bobs. But in all seriousness, I see you as the big sister I never had, and I literally cannot imagine how I would’ve turned out without you in my life. Trust that I will be sending you texts, Snapchats, and phone calls probably every single day.
Kate- Katie Alexander, just kidding, my mini me, you have been one of the best parts of newspaper this year. I look forward to A Day newspaper and Student Leadership every day because I get to see you, and I’m sad when you’re not there. You are one of the most dedicated and hard-working people I’ve seen in this program who always gives every assignment 110%. I see so much of myself in you (the good parts, of course), and watching you grow as an editor and as a person this year has been such a blessing. You’re kind, you’re funny, and you have so much potential. As my non-biological little sister, you know I’m always going to be there for you, even if we’re 1,109 miles apart. Please call me all the time and tell me about all the stupid stuff that happens.
Ryan- My wife, I cannot believe that a random seating chart in a newspaper last year was the reason we became close friends. You are by far one of the funniest people I know, and I miss the days we sat next to each other and went on random walks around school. Thank you for always making newspaper a fun and weird place to be. I’m gonna miss your jokes the most.
To this year’s Senior leadership team- Thank ya’ll for all the frog nonsense and shenanigans the past three years. Ya’ll are some of the craziest but funniest people I’ve ever met, and ya’ll never fail to surprise me. Aside from that, you guys are all super talented and driven, and you kept your pages/online content from falling apart even when it felt like this year would be the year we had a blank spot print in the paper. Getting to know each and every one of you has been a blessing, and I’m gonna miss everything from the random line dances in class to the hacky sack circles.
To next year’s staff- I know that there is a huge turnover in staff from this year to next year; however, all of ya’ll are more than capable of handling it. I’ve gotten to work with many of you and see you grow this past year. You are ready for this shift, because we seniors trained you very well… Anyways, ya’ll got this, and if you don’t, call Liberty and not me.
Reeves- You believed in me since my freshman year in Digital Media and have helped support me in becoming the journalist I am today. I owe all of my accomplishments in the Dispatch to you. You give students the trust and space to develop their own style as a journalist. I’ve learned so much from being in this program that will benefit me both with writing and in ways not related to journalism. Thank you for everything.
