This wonderful team

McKenna Snow
MSMU Class of 2023

(5/2023) Working with the Emmitsburg News-Journal has been one of the most rewarding jobs; it is surreal to think this is all coming to a close for me, and soon I’ll be saying farewell to my team. Each of the students I have worked with has put in so much effort, heart, and friendship. I am sad to say goodbye, but humbled that I am able to do so to such good people. Each student here is worth recognition, support, and resounding applause.

I’d like to first recognize my wonderful Assistant Editor and friend, Claire Doll. She has such an intentional and engaging personality, and I can say truly that Claire builds up those around her. I feel encouraged after talking to her, and my day is brightened even after brief conversation. Not to mention, Claire is so very organized, and disciplined in her schedule; last year, I loved seeing her at the café early in the morning, when it seemed like she had gotten half of her work done for the week before 8:30. Claire has been incredible to work with because she is reliable and so on top of things. She is patient with me when I get behind on work, offers a helping hand when I need it, and always has a joyful attitude.

Claire also captures the whimsical beauty of seasons, everyday adventures, and town happenings with her words, which paint pastel pictures of beautiful moments in the reader’s mind. Claire has steeped herself in the Mount community not only through her dedication to Lighted Corners, but more importantly through her radiant joy and welcoming personality. The News-Journal is so blessed to have her as the Managing Editor next year!

Now, whenever Joey responds to a prompt, he amazes me with his prose. Joey takes the prompts and responds from angles I wouldn’t have ever thought of, but they are inspiring and poignant. He writes with humility often unexpected, but in a moving way that calls the reader to look in the mirror and consider where they too might need to grow. Joey and I took Senior Seminar this semester, and his wealth of historical knowledge and connections to various philosophers and theological questions enriched the class significantly. Joey puts deep consideration and reason behind each word chosen—a thoughtfulness rare and good.

Sarah has been such a joy to know this year, both on and outside the team. Sarah is a resident on my Honors freshmen floor, and when I met her, I was instantly greeted with a happy hello. Later into last semester, I was taking my lunch to go, but saw her sitting at a table. I asked to join her, and we had a wonderful, random conversation about theology. From there, it was almost like I saw Sarah everywhere, even taking an art class together this semester unintentionally. And we also ended up working together here at the Journal! The genuineness, kindness and dedication Sarah has brought to the role, as well as just to me personally, I will never forget.

Devin is also a member of our Honors freshman hall community, and has been joyful, optimistic, and hardworking in taking on several feature articles for the Journal. Attending town-hall meetings online to write articles is no small thing for a freshman, and yet Devin stepped right up to learn how to do it! But this is a dedication I have seen within the Journal and out of it; Devin has shown me a heroic love for her family and a generosity of heart that will continue to impact and inspire.

Steve has repeatedly wowed me with his depth in writing sports articles. He sent me an article about the history of baseball—my favorite sport—and the extensive care with which it was written was remarkable. Steve did thorough research, packed a significant amount of information into it, and crafted it into a compelling story about the human condition—showing that he doesn’t just report on sports, he brings out why they actually matter to human persons, especially at the Mount. He does this through the enthusiasm he brings to all of his projects and articles, and the continual cultivation of genuine love for what he does.

Ashley’s presence on the team is irreplaceable; she brings professionalism, honesty, and vision to the team. She also brings connectedness, especially, through the prompts she chooses—they always highlight the most beautiful aspects of the Mount and the artistic programs, concerts, and shows hosted here. She vibrantly details what is happening in the artistic corners of the Mount, but doesn’t just highlight the big events—she chooses those which are less seen, but just as worthy of recognition and support. I think this is telling about her character; she doesn’t overlook the smaller person, or that which might be considered "lesser." She elevates and appreciates, and loves the beautiful things of this world well.

Finally, Mike has been a great mentor to me, and has built up my confidence going into post-graduation life through a cultivation of various skills. It is clear from our staff meetings that Mike values sincerity more than perfection; he values honesty, good communication, and especially, love for God’s creatures. Mike has a love for all animals; those as large as horses and as small as birds, and he cares for them with an enthusiastic generosity. But he has cared for his staff all the better. Mike doesn’t just want our work to be well-done, he actually wants to make sure we are all doing well. Mike builds us up, encourages us, gives us honest feedback, and lets us know when we did something well. Mike has helped prepare me for working in the "real world" by the high standards of journalistic excellence he has held me to these past three years, and for the practical advice he’s given me about working in journalism. I have grown so much through his mentorship and kindness, and through all of the opportunities the News-Journal has given me.

I will miss this team very much, and the whole town of Emmitsburg. Thank you very much, dear readers, for being such a significant part of my time here at the Mount. I am so grateful for each of you, and for this wonderful team.