Room 144 has seen a lot.
Scattered snack wrappers, questionable photo props, too many Hamilton sing-a-longs and enough laughter to fill every issue we’ve published.
As six seniors prepare to walk across the stage, leaving the Miegian behind, it only feels right to look back at all the chaos, creativity, and memories that made this staff special.
It all starts at the top with our Editor-in-Chief Mary Thompson. Whether she was rallying the troops or staying after school for hours, driving the production to the finish line, Thompson’s passion for the paper was undeniable.
“The KSPA conference is my favorite memory,” Thompson said. “We bonded with each other and the yearbook staffers as well.”
The energy stayed high and the vibes in check, with the leadership of our dedicated and brilliant editor-in-chief. Thompson will attend the University of Michigan next fall and major in mechanical engineering. Go Blue!
Keeping the words clean and the grammar in check was Copy Editor Hailey Hodge. In just her first year on staff, Hailey proved herself as one of the most dedicated writers on the team, bringing compelling stories and infectious energy that earned multiple regional awards. Next year, she’ll be taking her talents to Saint Louis University, where she plans to major in Political Science with a minor in Psychology.
“Joining the staff my senior year was definitely scary, but I had the warmest welcome and have made the closest of friends,” Hodge said.
Social Media Manager Sophia Hart brought the Miegian to life online, one reel at a time. Her talent for capturing perfect moments and crafting memorable clips, with an honorable mention to the iconic powdered donut reel, kept viewers coming back and the rest of the staff in stitches. The JEA convention during her sophomore year was an unforgettable experience, capped off with friends and ice cream. Hart will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall, where she plans to major in exercise science. Woo Pig!
“When I first joined the newspaper, I was unsure if I would like it or not, but it is one of the best things I have been involved in,” Hart said. “I’ve had so much fun getting to do social media.”
Photography Editor Norah Murtha kept things visual and vivid, working alongside junior photographers Paul Olson and Megan Ball. One memorable shoot featured Olson improvising a rig out of a lacrosse stick and four staffers’ phones held together with duct tape, a true testament to the team’s creativity.
And while the real mystery of the year wasn’t who the impostor was, but rather how all the snacks managed to disappear, Murtha’s eye for great photography never wavered. She’ll be heading to Benedictine College next year to double-major in Theology and Finance. Go Ravens!
“What I’ve loved most about being on staff is the bonds I’ve formed with some of my closest friends,” Murtha said. “We have so much fun creating the issues and memories together.”
Rounding out the creative side, Design Editors Elise Oblepias and Jack Gelhaus gave the Miegian its look, its feel, and its flair. Elise will be attending the University of Notre Dame and will be majoring in engineering.
“I’ve always loved going to Swig with my friends after a long night of newspaper work, a refreshing way to finish off the day together,” Oblepias said.
Jack was a dedicated member of the team. He enjoyed the energy on staff and loved the games and fun end-of-year parties.
“We would bring snacks and give out awards before finals,” Gelhaus said. “It was a nice break from the work.”
Jack will be attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City and majoring in Marketing and Communications. Go Roos!
Through life updates, story times, and collaborative work time, the beloved couch hosted a few naps and most team hangouts. Room 144 became more than a classroom. It became the place where six very different people figured out how to tell stories together.
