Today, April 26, marks The Meredith Herald’s final print edition of the 2022-23 academic year. As we close this year out, I want to take a moment to reflect on my editorship.
The position has brought its fair share of challenges. From balancing priorities to keeping up with the happenings of the College, the job hasn’t been easy. However, the most rewarding part has been the people I’ve met.
Rather than listing out all of our accomplishments this year (including our record-breaking year at NCCMAs), I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has supported The Herald during this year.
To Shae-Lynn Henderson: thank you for your inspiring leadership. Your dedication, vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have been a true inspiration to all. I wish you all the best as next year’s editor in chief. I truly believe that The Herald is in good hands.
To Clary Taylor (my favorite email/letter narrator): thank you for bringing a refreshing take to every meeting. As one of two freshmen on the Editorial Board, you helped reignite the journalistic curiosity that the publication was desperately in need of.
To Cady Stanley: thank you for your tireless commitment to coverage of the arts at Meredith. Arts and Entertainment has grown significantly because of your hard work and creativity.
To Haileigh West: thank you for always going above and beyond the call of duty. From writer to Opinion Editor, your work has constantly impressed me and those around you.
To Grayson: thank you for making The Herald’s creative visions come to life. Your impeccable skill set ceases to amaze me. Everything you touch is art and I cannot wait to see what more you do.
To Destiny Calvin: thank you for being a voice of reason on and off staff. From running the podcast with Grayson to running events for the De-Lux Brunch, I am immensely proud of your accomplishments. You are truly a force to be reckoned with.
To Caroline O’Daniel: thank you for your willingness to step up in times of need. I appreciate how thoughtful you are.
To Evelyn Summers: thank you for taking on the Senior Copy Editor position with grace. I am so glad we got the chance to work together this year. The Herald will miss you greatly.
To Piper Carriere: thank you for the awareness you’ve brought to Meredith’s athletic department. I am in awe of the work you and the staff at WingsUpSports do. Keep changing the narrative around sports commentary at Meredith!
To Kayla Dunn: thank you for the time and dedication you put into The Herald. I have loved getting to know and work with you this year. I can’t wait to read your future articles!
To Khadejra Golding: thank you for your commitment to staff this year. Your ideas bring a refreshing perspective to The Herald.
To Riley Heeb: thank you for your amazing, in-depth articles. You have grown so much as a writer on staff and I can’t wait to see what all you do!
To Liese Devine: thank you for all of your thought-provoking opinion pieces. Your writing and artistic talents have added tremendous value to The Herald.
To Sarah Eike: thank you for taking articles and topics at the drop of a hat. Working with you always brightens my day.
To Camila Cardoso-Herrera: thank you for being willing to share your insight with everyone. Keep up the great work!
To Charlie Hatch: thank you for being outspoken on and off staff. The campus is so much better for it.
To Ana Osipovi: thank you for diving right into The Herald. I appreciate your willingness to work with us!
To Danika Ray: thank you for always being willing to lend a helping hand. Your work and generosity are truly appreciated.
To Rebecca Simmons: thank you for everything. As a writer, thank you for your incredible contributions to The Herald. As an advocate, thank you for showing everyone what true leadership looks like. As a friend, thank you for sharing all of your thoughts and ideas with me. I can’t wait to see where life takes you.
To Melissa Taylor: thank you for sharing your creative mind with The Herald. I am excited to see what you accomplish at Meredith and beyond!
To Professor Ashley Hogan: thank you for a year of mentorship, representation and support. The impact of your work in The Herald is evident to all of us on staff. I will sincerely miss working with you.
To Dr. Laura Fine: thank you for advocating for The Herald. Meredith is extremely fortunate to have a fiercely compassionate person like you.
To the English Department: thank you for the advice and mentorship you have offered The Herald throughout the years. We are forever indebted to you.
To the departments in the School of Arts & Humanities: thank you for the support, kindness and understanding that you have extended to me during my time at Meredith.
To Triangle Web Printing: thank you for printing our newspapers and your incredible attention to detail.
To the Archives Department: thank you for keeping Meredith’s history alive.
To Rick McBane: thank you for lending The Herald the media equipment necessary to bring our ideas to life.
To Professor Todd Jones: thank you for your submissions to our “Submit-a-Tip” form. I smile every time I see your submissions for upcoming galleries and student exhibitions. The Art Department is lucky to have you, and The Herald is grateful for your efforts to
To our interviewees this year: thank you for entrusting The Herald with your stories. There is no perspective too great or too small, and we hope to continue working with you.
To the Meredith community: thank you for sharing your stories and feedback with us. The Herald is what it is because of you.
To our readers: thank you for taking the time to engage with our content. The Herald greatly appreciates your support.
It has been an honor to serve as editor in chief this year, and I am grateful for every experience it has brought me.
By Aminah Jenkins, Editor in Chief