When I entered journalism school at the University of Missouri in 2013, I couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead, but six years ago is when the real education began – when I joined this paper as the staff reporter.

Today, I bid farewell as your editor as I enter a new chapter in my journalism career. As I leave this newsroom one final time, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and stories we’ve shared.

Our small but mighty team has worked tirelessly to cover our area. We’ve covered everything from the wild world of St. Louis politics (Steve Stenger, anyone?), to countless school board and aldermanic meetings, to the everyday heroes serving our community. And let’s not forget that whole pandemic thing. Good times, right?

In an era where print newspapers face several challenges, where misinformation runs rampant and where being first often overshadows being right, community newspapers like ours stand as beacons of reliable journalism.

As I pass the torch to The Call’s new editor, Ellie Marshall, I do so with full confidence. Ellie’s dedication and her journalistic integrity will serve the South County community well as the paper enters a new era under her leadership. The Call is in good hands.

To our readers: your support has been our lifeblood. Your feedback, your stories, and yes, even your criticisms, have made us better journalists and neighbors. Remember, a strong community newspaper requires an engaged community. Keep reaching out and sharing your stories.

And speaking of engagement, I can’t leave without a nod to roundabouts. While the great roundabout debate may have come full circle, I stand by my support. After all, if we can navigate the twists and turns of local politics, surely we can handle a circular intersection.

It’s been an honor to serve as your editor. Thank you for six incredible years.