Parker Post, community editor
Only time will tell: If I remember correctly, the first comment I made when editing this was “OH MY GOSH CALLA, I LOVE YOU” because how could I not with a lead so perfect. Calla has the most remarkable way of writing human interest stories and is able to see an angle not everyone would always see. Only Calla would take two math competitors and compare them to knights in an arena, and do it so successfully. She set this story up for success starting it so strong, and it did not disappoint. She showed the rivalry of the siblings in a fun and playful view, while still finding an angle that leaves out no details. Although I love them all, this is definitely one of my favorite stories I have gotten to see Calla tell.
A letter to my spine and PS I won: Funny enough, this original letter wasn’t intended to be posted on the site.It was just the product of a text I got from Lindsey late at night saying “I just wrote a column.” This accidental story became one of my favorite things I have ever read of Lindsey’s, and on the website. It also became a favorite of ILPC as well after she was awarded her well deserved first place finish. The way she was able to put the reader in the eyes of the writer, forming it as a letter, showed her strength in both her writing and in the pain that she faced with her spine. But not stopping there, the follow up letter genuinely gives me chills every time I read it. Lindsey has such a way to convey emotions through anything she writes and this piece did that exactly, allowing me to watch her struggle transform into defeat in her column series.
Firefighters of Lucas: There has not been a story mentioned more in the news room than this. “Format it like the firefighter story,” “interview like the firefighter story,” are things I have heard almost everyday since this article was posted, and it is well deserved of that E103 fame. The way that Lily tells a different story through each piece, but is able to tie them altogether through her writing style shows how talented of a writer she is. The way she crafted the mini-features gives the reader a perfect glimpse into each of the responders lives, and honors them in every way possible. Not to mention, Olivia’s photos are better than perfect, as per usual.
Senior Goodbye: Perfect imperfections: The first time I read this column my jaw dropped. Although I’m a sucker for a good story, I think anyone would feel the same way about this one. Ryan is a consistently talented writer, producing nothing short of amazing this year, and there was no better way for him to end it off than through this. The extended metaphor of his camera roll, the way he made his own personal stories seem just as personal to the reader, and the way he shows complete transparency with the strangers reading behind a screen all add to the inspiration that this column is. Without giving direct lines of advice, Ryan sprinkles inspiration all throughout and ends his TRL success perfectly.
Valentines Day runs on Dunkin’: This was so much fun. This morning was such a great morning and being able to produce such a good graphic out of it makes it even better. Adding pieces of fun to the website like this are my favorite things, and I don’t think it could’ve been done better. Having everyone come together to make one big product, like this I’m writing right now, gives such a great bonding experience for staff as well as gives the reader multiple perspectives rather than just a singular reviewer. That in addition to the thought that Hannah put into the graphic makes for such a pop of color and excitement to the site.