News editor bids farewell

All good things must come to an end... but I procrastinated as long as I could before writing this. Part of me is thanking God for an end to those Tuesday production nights that gradually became Wednesday production mornings.... but the other half of me is admitting I love Tuesdays and that I hate to leave behind the amazing staff that's become a second family to me.

To Jameka, the best editor in chief on the planet, thank you. Your drive and motivation inspired me to produce some of my best work ever. Nobody could have done a better job and I thank you for putting up with all our crap and pulling us closer together.

Richard, you are the best darn sports editor, period. You'll never know just how much I appreciate your positive energy. I'll never forget you hiding behind the trees snapping photos for that story. And I know you'll go far in life, good luck next year and congrats!

Awesome Gabby, girl you are a rock and we never could have made it without you. I'm keeping your jokes on reserve to light up rainy days.

King David, also known as Waldo and Houdini, you've got more talent than most people could hope to have in a lifetime. You're quirky, funny and amazing and I hope you stay that way.

To Evan, thanks for answering the phone for every major and minor emergency. I'll miss the laughs, the beasty photos and the random outbursts.

Jerrell, also known as encyclopedia of world knowledge, don't change a thing. Seriously.

Otis and Aaron, the peanut gallery, I'm going to miss the intellectual and spiritual battles that distracted the entire staff.

Jackie, we appreciate your long nights and we're sorry if you lost your sanity in the process of laying out the paper.

Ms. Nigh, you give the word dedication new meaning. Let's cross our fingers for earlier nights next year.

Mr. Smith, thank you for guiding me through those crazy college years and for not giving up on us when we were here until 3 in the morning.

Shawna, I didn't forget about you, girl. Thanks for everything.

This year we covered some incredible stories. From the remarkable ("Thousands march to vote"), to the insane ("Circle of love rolls out of control"), to the truly moving ("Prairie View mourns loss of longtime employee"). Who could have predicted that we'd be covering history in the making or commemorating so many lives lost? And it wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic writers we had this year. Thanks for hanging in there guys. Interns came and went but they each left an influence on the paper.

To the student body, faculty and staff, we hope you enjoyed reading The Panther this year. Stay tuned, cause it's only going to get better. Good luck next year, Whitney, I know you can do it.

And to my second family, Baltimore? Same time next year?