Olivia Celano- Moravian University (English Literature and Creative Writing)
When I first joined The Mountaineer, I had no idea where I would end up. I had taken journalism in junior high and decided to give it another try. In my sophomore year, I could barely talk in class. I hid in a corner for over half the year and used it as an opportunity to write while silently publishing articles. If not for Mrs. Appolo, I think I would have never left the bubble I had created.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity Mrs. Appolo, my past Editors, and this newspaper have given me. I was given a voice of my own, and that’s something I’ll never be able to repay. There were times when working on the newspaper felt like running a marathon, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Words cannot express how proud I am of this year’s staff writers. I’ve watched my peers grow and push through sleepless nights to make this paper something we can all be proud of. I can promise you that the newspaper will be in good hands next year. The pride I feel when I can say I’ve helped lead such an amazing group in an award-winning newspaper is unmatched.
There is a system within the website we use to run the newspaper in which individual writers can win individual awards for articles that are considered “the best.” I’m proud to say that within this school year, we have won four of these awards, setting a school record. I have won two, becoming the first student to do so.
I would like to thank Mrs. Jessica Appolo for everything she has done for me and the paper, being there on the bad days and making the good ones even better. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to every day; we couldn’t have done any of this without you.
Thank you to my partner in all of this, Alexis Binikos, with whom I’ve had the honor to be co-editor. I’d also like to thank Madisen Dullen, Kiara Camacho, and all my friends who have helped me, given me interviews, and been there to encourage me to keep going.
As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I know the experiences I’ve had working on The Mountaineer will stay with me. Good luck to the Editors-in-Chief next year! Crista and Lile, we chose you for a reason. Keep you’re head up, we’ll always be one call away.
Alexis Binikos- University of Scranton (Media Production and Journalism)
When I first joined a journalism class, I was a freshman at the Junior high school. The next time I would encounter this class would be my junior year, when I worked as an assistant editor. I made it my goal to do my absolute best in the class, learn the ropes, and use it as an opportunity to expand my writing abilities. Now, as a senior, I’ve had the honor of being an editor.
Thanks to The Mountaineer, I’ve learned new skills and bonded with amazing people. I’d like to thank Mrs. Appolo, my family and friends, the Mountaineer writing staff, and my co-editor, Olivia Celano! Thanks to all of you, I was able to find my life’s passion and future career.
The Mountaineer has given me multiple opportunities that have helped shape me as an individual and as a journalist. Throughout the year, I spent my after-school hours taking photos at various events, writing and editing stories on all topics, as well as working with the Mountaineer team to create a well-rounded newspaper. The editor role has taught me many life lessons, such as adaptability, problem solving, leading by example, teamwork, and so much more!
In high school, I was taught that often life takes us on a path that we don’t always anticipate. I never thought I’d take over 400 pictures of Stroudsburg’s sports teams for photo galleries or be responsible for a team of writers.
Mrs. Appolo, from AP Lang to now, you’ve always been a strong support system for me. You’ve taught me so much when it comes to my writing and what it means to be a leader. I’m proud to say that my grammar is a lot better since being in your class! I’m thrilled that my “Best of SNO” certificate gets to hang on your Journalism Wall of Fame.
Olivia, I couldn’t have led this newspaper with you! Through our ups and downs throughout the year, we’ve both fought through and worked hard. You’re so talented and such an amazing friend. Even on the roughest days, you always managed to make me laugh! Good luck at Moravian!
As I enter the next chapter of my life, I’m confident that The Mountaineer will continue to live on as a thriving source of information for students and the community. To Crista and Lile, I’m beyond proud of the writers and leaders that both of you have become. It was an honor to be your editor, and I have no doubt that you’ll be excellent editors next year! Remember to lead by example, keep your heads up, and breath! Best of luck, and you can always call me for help!