Elizabeth Taylor, Editor in Chief
Elizabeth lives in Olathe, KS and graduated from Olathe West High School. She joined The Messenger because she was heavily involved in journalism in high school and wanted to leave a similar legacy here. A fun fact about her is that she loves traveling and has been fortunate to visit some amazing places.
Audrey Hook, Managing Editor
Audrey enjoys reading and creative writing in her free time. Her dream job would be to become a published author. One of her life goals is to travel to all 50 United States. So far, she has already visited 20 states. Audrey is an avid animal lover. She has a dog, Annie, who she loves with all of her heart.
Xan Dahl, Video Production Editor
Xan currently lives in Olathe, graduating from Olathe Northwest High School. They decided to join The Messenger so that they could advance their skills in video journalism work, as well as being in a professional environment. When not creating videos for the messenger, they are filming or creating stories with their friends.
Zach Jewell, Podcast Production Editor
Zach Jewell considers Gardner to be his home, and Gardner Edgerton High School is where he graduated. Zach decided to join The Messenger after finding out he really liked making podcasts whilst taking a class here at JCCC. A fun fact about Zach is that he loves to collect Monopolys, and he is currently 19 strong!
Noelle Johnson, Social Media Production Editor
Noelle Johnson was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas, and still calls it home. Noelle graduated from Christ Preparatory Academy (a small, university-style, private school in Lenexa, KS) in May of 2024. Noelle decided to join The Messenger because of her interest in social media, career aspirations in digital marketing and advertising, and because she wanted to gain experience and make friends along the way! A fun fact about Noelle is that she loves to travel and sing!
Seth Lampton, Sports Editor
The town Seth considers home is KCMO, and he graduated from Park Hill High School. He joined The Messenger because he saw it as an opportunity to get his foot in the world of journalism and make a name for himself. A fun fact about him is he is also a drummer, snowboarder, and climber!
Aubrey May, Copy Editor
Aubrey May couldn’t be more excited for the future of The Messenger! She’s from Olathe, Kansas, and graduated from Olathe West in 2024. Aubrey joined The Messenger because she loves all things journalism, and wants to help tell more stories from the incredible students and staff at JCCC. A fun fact about Aubrey is that she was Little Miss Wheelchair Kansas 2016, and she has a Children’s book written about her and her experience with participating in theatre as a disabled individual.
Nicholas Cash Navarro, Opinion and Life Editor
Prior to his work at The Messenger, Cash had worked at BMPress where he won first at a state level for his opinion writing. Here at JCCC, Cash also worked as a Copy Editor and Deputy Editor in Chief for CavMag, which was the precursor to The Messenger. Cash hopes to continue into a career of writing after his work here.
Vaughn Wheat, Photo Editor
Vaughn has lived in Kansas City most of his life and graduated from Shawnee Mission North. He joined The Messenger to hone his skills as a photojournalist and help build a strong publication. Vaughn also enjoys theater and crochet.
