Looking back on everything you find on the back pages of this newspaper, I still to this day question how I ever produced anything worth printing.
But should I be surprised? I don’t think so. I work with a staff of students who have skills that I could never learn.
A team has nothing without leadership. Lindsey Hobbs is the editor-in-chief of this fine newspaper. She has directed this group of stressed-out students through all-nighters, copy problems and missed deadlines, and does not flinch. Captain anyone?
Each team has a tactical player. A person that makes plays by the books and believes in good structure. Our copy editor, Mike Cirelli, is that player. His knowledge of the English language and AP style makes him fantastic to work with. He makes writing clean, professional, accurate and, most of all, make sense. Without Mike I don’t think I would ever be published.
Our news editor, Josh Adkins, and assistant news editor, Kaity Vorbroker, are essentials. One, they produce news, something you may have forgotten as you skipped right to the sports section. Two, they handle the Police Report so you can know that some unfortunate souls had their iPods taken from their cars. I mean, how else are you supposed to know if your iPod is at risk? In all seriousness, they bring you the information you should actually read and retain.
Steven Collins, a man built on Chuck Norris jokes and remembering the Alamo (as he always reminds me to do, and I still don’t know why), is our arts & entertainment editor. The calendars giving the release date of a movie or video game, or the how-to on the zombie game that was on campus — it’s all him. If I had to pick a teammate for any shooting game, Steve is my pick. What would Chuck Norris do at the Alamo?
And how about our opinion editor, Leah Driscoll? I am sure some of you may disagree with her views, but someone has to say something. I find her writing to be witty. I find myself completely agreeing with her opinion. You’re so smart, Leah, and yes, your opinion does matter.
However, when you see Leah, you hear Alyssa Cook-Alexander, her other half or unofficial assistant opinion editor. Though she is in charge of our website, she still lets her thoughts go public. Should I put it in the Web folder?
The star of our team is by far Kristen Sapp, our photography editor. I almost wish she had my position, though she practically did. If you saw anything cool in sports, it was her doing. She not only takes amazing photos of the various athletes around Otterbein, she is simply talented.
And lastly, a thanks to Anna Schiffbauer, the business manager. She fed all our stomachs and despite giving me giant ads, my roommates and I love her food-ordering skills. I guess I will acknowledge your fine budgeting skills as well … I guess.
I went through all that so you can know what I am leaving behind. They are not only talented, but they each taught me something I never knew and helped shaped my path.
I need to also thank Dr. Warren for pushing me to become a writer, and our adviser, Mike Wagner, for making the sports section have variety.
If I didn’t mention you and you feel like you need a thanks, I will be around ’til May.
