As we begin our first week in MV Media without the senior editors, the junior editors have had the opportunity to reflect on the struggles and accomplishments of the year and how they affected us as leaders and people. We failed, on more than one occasion, to meet our deadlines and do our jobs, but we learned from our mistakes and finished the year with many positive memories and a fresh understanding of what it means to lead and how to do so successfully. Among the lessons we learned this year, one stands out as the most influential: no group of seniors could have been better teachers. In appreciation for the dedication and leadership of this group of editors to the program, we wish to share a few final thoughts about their impact.
I did not realize just how fast high school went until now. For three years, I have been lucky enough to learn under these incredible seniors. I have seen them thrive, I have seen them fail, I have seen them defeat all odds. I knew the day would come when I would not have them to go to, to ask questions or to get their opinion, but I did not suspect it would come so quickly. So, thank you to the eight wonderful souls who made this year so ep!c. You guys inspire me to be a better journalist, to live my life to the fullest and always seek the truth. Thank you for passing all of your wisdom down to us, we will do our best to follow in your footsteps! I love you all dearly, go show the world everything you’ve got.
//GABE BARNARD// No part of MV Media (MVM) could have been successful this year without the leadership, hard work and talent of the senior editors. Every day, they came to class focused on the task at hand and ready to dedicate their time, even if it meant sacrificing some of theirs outside of normal school hours, to ensure that the program stayed on track. We started with a theme and a vision of how the yearbook would look this year and the seniors poured all of their talent and knowledge into guiding our publication into existence. It could not have turned out the way it did with anyone else at the wheel. Personally, I can say that no group of people has ever served as better role models to me. Their leadership, experience and passion for journalism inspired me to strive to become a stronger editor and journalist, as well as taught me numerous lessons about what it truly means to lead. I am immensely grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the seniors, and I am better off because of it. Thank you for all you have done, I wish you luck as you graduate from Vista.
//LAUREN LIPPERT// For the past three years I have had the privilege to watch you, seniors, not only grow as people but as leaders. You all have taught me to believe in myself and in what I do. Your optimistic personalities and contagious humor made being apart of Mountain Vista Media very special and one of the best experiences of my life. I can honestly say that each of you brought something special to the program, your wisdom is truly remarkable. I cannot begin to imagine what our program would be like without you, not being able to ask for advice, hear your ridiculous stories, and be able to talk to you whenever. But, your hard work and dedication will continue to thrive for years to come, it truly has been an honor working with all eight of you seniors. So thank you, to all of you talented and inspiring seniors, for everything and I wish you all the best in college and in life. Stay ep!c.
//MIKAYLA OLAVE// As sad as it was to see the seniors leave, they left such a positive impression on every single one of us. Nothing we do could have been possible without the leadership, guidance and dedication that all the seniors showed. Thank you for everything you have taught me, and all the memories we made together. You all helped me to become a better journalist and become more confident in what I do. MV Media would not have been the same without all of the seniors who made this year amazing. It is sad to see that the day has finally come where we have to say our goodbyes, but I know we all are going to be successful in the future. Thank you again for everything you have done for me and I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
//GREYSON KOINZAN// Wow, I don’t know where to start! I guess I start with how amazing these people are as journalists. The seniors this year have an incredible talent for journalism. We have always had very talented people in this program, but this group is incredible. From broadcast, to photography, to reporting and more, this group is so special. They have an amazing passion towards journalism and that dedication has certainly “rubbed off” on the underclassmen. Their constant positivity, talent, and drive have made our program what it is. As people? Oh my, the list goes on. Even on my worst days, the seniors managed to make me smile and laugh. I always had a good time with them. They are all so kind, hilarious, and ep!c. You guys have all been such big role models for me in journalism and in life. I love you all so much, and I truly cannot wait to see what you do in the future, because I know it will be amazing no matter what. So thank you seniors, for everything you have been and done, I will miss you all so much!
//HALEY KOLSETH// The seniors led by example, and taught everybody they worked with not only the skills necessary to be phenomenal journalists, but also passionate ones. Some of these seniors are undeniably the best journalists in the state (and they have the awards to prove it). For the past two years, I have had the honor of learning from them. Together we faced triumphs, missed deadlines and created tangible finished products. There’s no other group of people I would have wanted to experience those moments with. I know that whatever each of them decide to do will be done with the same amount of passion and dedication as they put into MVM. This group of seniors are future world changers, not just because of what they learned in journalism, but because of their character and individuality. They are the best group of people I know, and I am glad I have been able to “experience the experience” with them. I wish you all the best of luck in college and beyond. Go change the world, and leave it a better place, just like you have done to room U328. I love you guys, thanks for everything.
//CHARLIE PENVARI// My past three years at Vista are the years that made me who I am today. The influence of our seniors at Vista will always be remembered and their influence has shifted the direction that our community will go. I will remember all of the memories that they gave me. From getting rides home at 10 p.m. from Shea Stadium after a long game, to learning all the vital skills of being a journalist. More importantly it is the memory of their enthusiasm, dedication, kindness and humor that we will cherish for years upon years. Many of our seniors will continue on to lead in the field of journalism at the nation’s top schools and many others will lead the industry in their respective fields with the skills and lessons that they learned from Mountain Vista Media. Although I wish I could have spent more time with you guys, the memories that you gave me are than enough for me to play over and over again in my head. Thank you for all that you done for us and I wish you all the success that will come in your future. Remember to be EP!C!