After four years being part of the Dispatch Publication, it feels somewhat unreal to be sitting here on Mr. Reeves green couch writing a goodbye. I still remember my first day walking into my J1 class with pure excitement about what was to come, and now I’m wondering that same thing as I’m closing off my time at Bowie High School. Out of all the organizations at Bowie I have been a part of, the Dispatch has easily been one of the most prominent and fulfilling experiences of my high school career. From originally starting by writing on the news page to transitioning to online leadership taught me a range of journalistic skills. I still remember the day my online interest was piqued when Austin invited me to film a football game, and since that day, I haven’t looked back. Transitioning my writing skills to producing digital content was challenging for me at first, but it was the first time I had the opportunity to build a skillset on something I was truly interested in, and I have the Dispatch to thank for that. My transition to leadership as an Online Editor-in-Chief for the past two years brought a lot of challenges, but doing so showed me how gratifying it was to learn from mistakes. Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Dispatch and, more importantly, those who guided me…
Audrey, even though you graduated last year, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to shout you out. In all honesty, you carried me last year as my co-eic. I truly don’t know what I would have done without your honest guidance and leadership. You are a prime example of the excellence fostered in this program and, even more so, the unique community of friendship surrounding this publication. I started last year with a co-editor and finished it with a best friend, and I am so proud of you and all you have achieved!
Austin, my sophomore year, you helped me discover the immense passion I had for all things digitally adjacent. A path that I thought I had no capability of learning or discovering, you walked me through it all and trained me to make the best content I could, then took over your position, only to hope ot make content half as amazing as yours. I am so appreciative of you for taking me under your wing to foster my love for the online program.
Ryan, I know this year has presented us with a multitude of challenges and stress, but I am so proud of us and how you transitioned to leadership in your senior year. Thank you for being my better half on days when it was a struggle for me to manage multiple things in many places, and thank you for doing it so gracefully. I hope you always know that I am extremely proud of you, and I see how hard you work for this publication and how bright an individual you are. I am appreciative that I have gotten to lead the online publication beside you this year. Thank you for jumping through ALL the hurdles with me.
Sam, you have reminded me to have fun in and outside this publication. I know when I was most stressed, you always offered me an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on (that is when you were here). I am going to miss sitting on the couch with you, talking about everything, but I am so excited to begin our burnt orange chapter together. Also, I am so extremely proud of you and all your feats this year. I know it was a lot, but you conquered it with such grace. I know it is only up from here for you!
Charlotte, through all your micro crashouts and track debriefs, I am so astonished by all the excellence you have pursued in this program. I know at times it’s been an unfair ride, but you have shown so much grace and persistence through it all, and you should be so incredibly proud of yourself for that. I assure you, I am! I cannot wait to see all the amazing things to continue to do! (and yes, maroon is a cute color on you)
Will, I know you and I have had our fair share of bickering, but at the end of the day, I hope you know I am extremely grateful for you and your commitment to the online program. You are truly one of the most talented videographers/photographers I have ever seen, and I hope you do not let that passion go.
Liberty and Elizabeth, I hope ya’ll both know the hard work you have put into this program has not gone unnoticed. You two are both such talented individuals in the program and outside of it in your respective organizations. I am so honored to have been EIC with you the past two years, and through all the stressful situations, I feel like I can confidently say we handled it well. I can’t wait to see what ya’ll do!
Peyton and Capri, you two have both been such amazing people, and I am beyond grateful I have had the honor to be in both the newspaper and PALs with ya’ll! The countless memories, laughs, and somewhat hilarious struggles through the paper have brought us such a close bond. You are both such talented, amazing individuals, and I am so excited to see all the incredible things you both do. Please keep in touch!!
Sawyer and Cooper, oh my troubled duo, you two never fail to make me laugh when I look back on the memories of my time on staff. Through the countless snack bin raids, to the obsession with Geometry Dash, to podcasts made, and of course, hacky sacking, you two bring so much joy to the staff. I hope you continue to measure your growth chart and learn to improve your social media skills. I’m gonna miss you two a lot!
Sydney and Skylar, I am so thankful to both of you for your willingness to always learn and help the online team. Through the two of you, I have so much hope for the online publication and the leadership I know the two of you will showcase. I will miss the energy the two of you brought to this community and the environment.
Arlo, I am still in awe of the improvement and passion you bring to the staff. I knew from the very beginning how much potential you possess. I am happy you have figured that out now, too. Please don’t lose the ability to have fun with the little things in the future stresses you encounter. Your capability to handle situations while providing care to others first is truly admirable, but please don’t forget to forgive yourself and give grace. I am so unbelievably proud of you and cannot wait to see you conquer all the amazing things life has in store for you.
Cole and Diego, I am so proud of the amount of growth you two have accomplished this year, from pictures to caption writing to even podcasts, it has been tremendous. You two always bring a fun yet nonchalant (cole…) attitude to the paper, and both of you are so much fun to work with. I hope you both continue to do amazing things!
My sophomore babies, I am so proud of all the progress you have made on the Dispatch. I know it has been a struggle sometimes to meet deadlines and gather interviews, but you all have handled the highs and lows with such grace, I couldn’t be prouder! Keep being awesome people, I cannot WAIT to see all the amazing things you create on staff!
Peeves, first, I hope you don’t change the name because I think it holds some funny memories. I know you and I have had some highs and lows on this publication, but through it all, I think I can say we came out victorious! The countless coaching conversations, while at times I struggled to take them well, helped me improve my direction with the Online program and my patience. I want to say thank you for giving me a chance. I know stepping into the role of Online Editor in Chief as a junior with only one year of staff experience was a daunting decision, and while it was challenging a lot of the time, the hurdles that I overcame were extremely rewarding. From figuring out how to use Premier, to editing podcasts, managing the website, shooting video and photos, and managing the online side, which, let’s be honest, is a whole skill on its own, taught me a lot. Your class became a foundation for my leadership and drive. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without your class and especially your guidance. I hope there is a smooth transition to next year’s staff and the paper! I am confident in your teachings, and thank you again for the incredible 4 years!
