Man, I have been waiting to write this for years…. no really years. Okay as you’ve known, Christina and I have taken The Panther to the highest of heights and have strengthed it to be one of the strongest HBCU newspapers around. We have given the paper a different look, more pages, and better graphics and pictures. Our circulation has even increased by 1,000… damn we’re good!But now it is time to pass it on to the next group. I trust that they will continue to mold the paper just as we’ve done and to continually bring it to the next level and turn, reaching ultimate greatness.
Christina, man wasn’t this fun (well, most of the time). I feel that we are the definition of a team. I mean who else can sit next to you every other week and get the 20 questions speech from Simmons? Everything that we set out to do years ago we’ve accomplished. Once you make your big journalistic leap and own your own publication you know your M.E. will be there to hold it down and watch your back.
To the L&H and A&E editors you guys have all brought your own flavor to the paper. NiRosha, my L.S. you know I’m holding your spot down in Houston until you get back. Raquel, it was fun having you on the staff, you had me rolling every Tuesday, “Don’t do me!” Alanna, you have some very big shoes to fill (literally) and I know you will step up to the challenge. We picked you for a reason, because we know you can handle it. You’ll receive your share of flack for the questions but just brush the dirt off your shoulders and do you.
Our sports editors are in a league of their own (no pun intended). Leona, congratulations on all of your accomplishments especially coming back the way you did, most couldn’t do that but with a healthy dose of burnt corndogs and Hamburger Helper anything is possible. Dustin, you have the power to captivate a room. You are one smart cookie, all the best. Rashad, you are the best! I love how you can soak up information like a sponge and then make it happen on the pages. I honestly feel you are the best sports editor we’ve had both creatively and journalistically.
Latisha, you won’t be quite like M.E. (no one ever will) but you will still bear the same responsibilities. Make sure that you always go with your gut and make the proper journalistic decisions needed to make this publication continue to flourish. Your wit and talent will take you far, you can bet.
Nneka, we thought we would have to run the Panther forever until you came along. You have definitely eased my mind about making you the next EIC. I know you are more than capable of taking on this task and it makes me feel good that you have already exceeded our expectations. It was fun getting to know you in the boot, and sharing McDonalds every Tuesday. Good luck Nneka, you’re going to need it.
Marques, O (in the morning), Kristina, Kayla, Nigh, and Smith, thank you, thank you, thank you. All of the fussing and arguments I have had with you all over the paper it was all to build you up for my departure. I’m confident you guys have it under control. Oh, and a word to the wise, feed Smith hot wings twice a month and he should be good.
To my family in Denver and Jr., I love you, to my frat and sorors STOOP PHI for life no matter what. Last year I forgot to thank my cousin Tiffany, my best friend in the whole wide world, so I’m slipping her in now. If I forgot anyone else my sincerest apologies. Finally, I thank everyone who continues to read The Panther every Wednesday. I appreciate it. Pi Phi Sigma, “Where everyone is paper!