Wow, what a year it’s been! All sports teams have their respective postseasons to shine and stand out. Student journalism is a little different, but quite similar. As student-journalist, we have award season, which always falls in mid- to late April.
I had a hunch the Campus Ledger would win quite a few individual awards because we have had a lot of talented staff members this year and the last one. Regardless, I was going to be proud of everyone either way.
However, I had no idea the Ledger would win All-Kansas, which is the highest honor for any student media outlet in Kansas. It’s the equivalent to winning state for a sports team. The Ledger hasn’t won All-Kansas in at least six years. It’s such a remarkable achievement.
I couldn’t be any more proud. I’m so honored to be a part of this amazing staff. It’s incredible that a group of random individuals can come together in a few short weeks and create something special. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this publication.
The judges looked mainly at issues from this past fall and a few from last year. This All-Kansas award really belongs to the staffers from this year and the last.
In addition, I was awarded Journalist of the Year. I can’t thank my staff enough. Everything I do wouldn’t be possible without their help. I also want thank Corbin Crable, my current adviser who saw my potential and believed in me this whole time.
I also want to thank my former Heritage yearbook staff members along with my previous adviser, Julie Fales. Yearbook instilled the importance of deadlines. It also taught me how fun journalism is.
Kirby O’Neal was my first editor-in-chief, and he taught me how to be a leader in the newsroom. He was the editor-in-chief during my first year in journalism, when were awarded All-Kansas during my junior year.
I wanted to repeat ever since, but from a leadership role. The Campus Ledger achieved it. It’s remarkable. I faced quite a bit of adversity moving into the editor-in-chief role from photo editor, but like everything in life, if you work hard enough, anything is possible.
However, as journalists, our work is never over. The Ledger will take a new shape next year, and that’s so exciting. I know this newspaper will continue its tradition of excellence.
For me, this semester has been one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life. I have learned more about myself and managing others then I ever thought I could. Thank you to everyone on staff and our faithful readers.