Letter From The Editor 4/24

Hey y’all,

Welcome to the final drop of the Vestavia Pillar for the 2022-23 school year!

In December of 2021, I started to formulate an idea for a place where students could celebrate each other’s accomplishments, share their voices, and explore journalism. Seventeen months later, I feel so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to enact that vision. It’s hard to believe that something that I was quietly designing logos for while procrastinating studying for Junior-year midterms became something that I’ll leave behind to another group of passionate journalists. However, none of that would have been possible without the team that made it happen.

I am forever grateful for this year’s staff. Every editing day, I was beyond impressed with what our staff was able to produce, and I’m so thankful that each and every one of them was willing to take a chance on joining a new activity this year.

I am also exceedingly thankful for the editorial board this year. They are an essential part of every drop, and work tremendously had to ensure that every article looked its best before being published on the website. This year’s editorial board had Bella Gentry on News, Anusha Singh on Student Life, Mallory Dean on Opinion, and Carol Li serving as Junior Editor. Gratitude does not even encapsulate how thankful I am for them!

This year also would not have been possible without the help of our staff sponsor, Madame Harlan. Her encouragement throughout this year was unmatched, and everyone on staff is exceedingly thankful for her help this year in Pillar becoming a reality.

As of this drop, Pillar published 165 articles this year. It’s hard to put into words the surrealness of that fact, but I hope that everyone has gotten a chance to read one of the many different articles posted this year. This experience has been one I will forever hold close to my heart.

As for the future of Pillar, after last week’s new staff meeting, I am confident in the future. I am especially excited to pass the gavel to next year’s Editor in Chief, Anusha Singh! Anusha did an incredible job as Student Life Editor this past year, and I am beyond excited for her leadership next year. Here are a few words from her!

Hey everyone! This is Anusha Singh, and I'll be Pillar's Editor-in-Chief for next year! I've loved being a writer and editor this year--I take pride in being a part of Vestavia's school newspaper, especially with how well Sarah has managed it since she started it last September. At our 2023-24 staff meeting last week, we learned from her that the previous Vestavia newspaper ended around eight years ago after its sponsor retired. To me, the fact that this year, Pillar has done so well as an entirely student-led newspaper is amazing, and I honestly can't wait to carry on the legacy! Thank you to our readers, and I'll see you this fall!!

Signing Off,

Sarah Dewees

2022-23 Editor-In-Chief

Signing On,

Anusha Singh

2023-24 Editor-In-Chief