Staff Goodbyes 2017-2018

Elizabeth Lapp

So much has changed since I first started writing for the Champion as a sophomore. I went from having no clue of what I was doing to feeling confident in my abilities and my writing.

I would not have gotten to this point without the instruction and support of Mrs. Huff. She has given me so many opportunities and been able to see the strength in my writing when I could not.

I have had the privilege of working alongside some amazing students over the course of my time as opinion editor. There were a lot of long days and nights that I spent working in the Champion office, writing stories and reorganizing pages after articles were cut. However, the people that I got to work alongside made it all worth it, and I am so glad that I was able to get to know them better.

Every Monday, I spent hours with a group of people who quickly became my friends. Nothing helps to break up the work day like a barrage of sarcastic comments, really bad jokes and contest over who has the better pug picture as the wallpaper on their computer. I hate saying goodbye and knowing that I will not get to spend every Sunday and Monday working with them is probably the hardest part of leaving.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the Moot Court and Mock Trial teams that I have had the privilege of competing on with some incredible people. Being involved in these groups kept me extremely busy, but I would not have had it any other way.

There have been a lot of highs and lows throughout my time at Liberty, and despite everything that has happened, I cannot imagine spending my undergraduate years anywhere else. I have learned so much from this job, and the professors who have become my mentors always challenged and pushed me to excel.

The next three years will present a whole new set of obstacles for me as I take on law school. However, the lessons that I have learned will stay with me for a lifetime and have prepared me to succeed. No matter where life takes me from here, I know that my time at Liberty will always hold a special place in my heart — the friendships that were made here and experiences that I have had are ones that I will never forget.

Jordan Jarrett

Saying goodbye. As a dear friend of mine put it, “What a heartbreaking thing, what a wonderful thing.”

When I joined the Champion staff, I joined so much more than a staff. I joined an incredible partnership of journalists and artists who I call friends.

I’d like to say THANK YOU, with a full heart, to my friends:

Will — for level-headed leadership and journalistic integrity as my editor-in-chief, and well beyond.

Dean, Max and Jacob — for being the “cave of chill” and for the unsung work you did as the actual binding force of our stories.

Nate — for being the very incarnation of jazz for our weary souls. Your wisdom, like your musical taste, is beyond your years.

Matt — for being the old married man who reminded the rest of us that normal life outside of the newsroom can exist.

Elizabeth — for being the can-do Hamilton of the office and my worthy high-heel competitor ever since opinion writing class. I’m honored to now call “that loud smart girl” my friend.

Jack and Erin — for being the paper’s lifeblood in the most difficult and important section. Thank you for your fervor to ask the hard questions and seek truth above all. Your dedication inspires me and will never be forgotten.

Sarah J. and Emma — for your diligent attention to detail. Especially my dear “Miss Jackson,” for going above and beyond for me when I needed you most.

TJ and Logan — for being the best desk neighbors. From metal to paranoia over untied shoes, you guys kept me laughing no matter what.

Sarah K. and both Josiahs — for being the backbone of the paper with your unrelenting creativity, by translating the editors’ frenzied hand-motions into beautiful designs.

Leah — for always asking, “Is there anything I can help with?” and meaning it. Your sweet and gentle spirit was a treasure.

Mrs. Huff — for having the hardest job of all: guiding the entire staff. And for being a comforter and encourager to me. You cared for my heart’s well-being with your listening ear, stories and prayer.

You each hold a special place in my heart for setting my path straight as both a journalist and a follower of Christ.

Moving forward with the growing pains of change — for a grad like me taking on the world, and for the dear friends I leave behind here — I hope we remember one of the greatest assets a journalist can have: adaptability.

Adaptability to shifting tides is vital — but never at the expense of the pursuit of truth and the freedom to speak it regardless of stigma, political climate or anybody’s business model. Truth must reign, for with truth comes peace.

So, in the words of one of history’s finest journalists: “Good night, and good luck.”

And good-bye, dear friends.

Leah DePiero

I can clearly remember my first semester freshman year, when I originally decided to be a volunteer news reporter for the Champion.  My first article was about Commons 1, and I was petrified because I’d never written a news article before.  The contact the news editors gave me didn’t get back to me, and I had no idea what I was supposed to do — it was my first week of college, and I had never taken a journalism class before.  That article never actually got written, and I made the switch from news reporter to opinion writer.  I remember my extreme excitement when my first article was published; it was about a gubernatorial election in Texas.  Since then, I’ve grown as a news reporter and opinion writer and have had the opportunity to write about topics close to my heart, from press freedom to my trip to Rwanda to theater.  I’ve grown a lot (although not in stature) in my four years at Liberty both writing for and working as the contributing editor for the Champion.  For that, I have many people to thank.  One of those people is Mrs. Huff, one of the greatest professors and Champion faculty advisors I could have asked for.  She is incredible, wise, kind and incredibly supportive and selfless.  I would not be where I am today if not for her.  I would also like to thank my fellow Champion staff members turned family members.  They are insightful and talented, and I will always cherish the endless memories of laughter, comradery and jazz hour.  Lastly, thank you to everyone who picked up a copy of a Champion and read the fruits of our hard work — we appreciate you.  With that I say,”Good bye, and good news.”